Get A Pal, A RepairPal

If you’re looking for Dallas auto repair or a shop in any of the other major cities, RepairPal, an independent resource created to give car owners the expert information they need, can help you out.

They have a team of expert technicians who have compiled a database of prices for car parts and data about labor time required for specific repairs. If you suspect your Chevrolet Silverado might need a timing belt replacement, you can find out what that’s likely to cost as well as a repair shop that can do the job. You can even compare estimates you may have already received to see if they’re in line with what’s appropriate.

There are so many resources on their website, that you can educate yourself about auto issues. Use their Repair Price Estimator and get a printout of the analysis emailed to you. Find a repair shop by simply entering your zip code. Then read the reviews from customers about the shop that interests you. Store all the maintenance records about your car by simply creating a free user account. On and on, the tools available to you will have you chortling in glee. You can even ask a question about your particular problem and get an answer from the experts.

Takeaway Truth

Take the anxiety out of auto repair by educating yourself with the resources available on the Internet.

Private number plates or personalized plates, as many call them, aren’t just popular in the UK. Indeed, they’re in demand anywhere there are vehicles with owners who want to show a bit of panache.

Why Pay Up

Personalized license plate programs exist in many countries. In fact, I think each of the states in the U. S. offer a variety of ways to personalized vehicle license plates. These license plates are popular because they allow the vehicle registrant to show personality or make a personal statement to the world.

This is a win/win situation for the state government and the vehicle owner as well as supporting worthwhile organizations. In most states, the required personalized fee, usually called a “donation,” goes to the group named on the plate.

The Ocean State

Rhode Island, the Ocean State, currently offers two charity plates: Mr. Potato Head which benefits the Rhode Island Food Bank and the Osprey, benefiting the Audubon Society and the Save the Bay organization. Their state government has approved other charity plates, but they haven’t been placed in circulation yet.

The Sunshine State

A good example of how organizations benefit is shown by the donations to youth groups to help develop sports events in Florida, from a regional to a major scale in the state. From this license plate program, monetary benefits of about $250,000 are generated.

Other States

In Missouri, The Show Me State, you can support Conservation or Fight Terrorism. In Texas, The Lone Star State, you can support the university of your choice or any number of special interest groups from Adopt A Beach to Special Olympics and more.

Takeaway Truth

When you opt for a special plate, you show the world a glimpse of your personality, and you support groups that do good works.

My car nut of a husband and I have been test driving vehicles of various persuasions for several weeks. We’d made the difficult decision to replace our very old 4-wheel drive Tahoe. It’s been a great vehicle that helped us traverse occasional iced over freeways and heavy rainstorms with equal aplomb and safety. Big Jack will now be someone else’s dependable, cheap transportation.

What We Drove

Chevy Tahoe LTZ, top of the line luxury that just about drives itself. Terrible gas mileage stats but the ride is so sweet and the vehicle such a pleasure to drive that you immediately start rationalizing a possible purchase.

Ford Flex Limited, like the Tahoe LTZ in its luxurious appointments and comfort. The back seat could be considered a media room with the DVD Entertainment center, as is the Tahoe. Slightly better estimated gas mileage. Again, you rationalize purchasing one of these just because it’s such a comfort and delight.

Chevy Equinox, nicely equipped but definitely not in the same category as the previous two vehicles. This one is practical because of the estimated gas mileage. Everything is geared to the driver’s comfort with the power adjustable seat, not the passenger who has to make do with a manual lever for forward and backward and tilt.

Chevy Camaro, totally hot vehicle with a V6 that gets 29 mpg for an element of practicality. Even the V6 is 305 hp, and that’s enough to make any power enthusiast happy. Great comfortable seats.

GMC Terrain, basically the same as an Equinox but most dealers seem to order this version in the upgraded packages with more bells and whistles so it’s easier to find one with more options.

We looked at Chevy Aveo, strictly for the gas mileage; Cadillac SRX, comfort and luxury plus hoping for gas mileage; Buick Enclave, still looking for that ideal mix of comfort, luxury, good gas mileage, and SUV styling that puts you up above the rest of the freeway traffic thus making it easier to spot traffic jams ahead.

We didn’t even consider imports because we know that buying American really is important. We’re trying to do our part, however small it might be, in improving the economy of the country. So we always choose American.

(If our elected officials had wanted the automotive cash for clunkers program to be truly successful, they would have made the stipulation that the new vehicle purchased be an American vehicle. Don’t bother telling me about the Toyota plants in America. Where do you think the bulk of the money from Toyota sales go?)

What We Chose

We drove home in a GMC Terrain, Cyber Gray, a nice blend of comfort, convenience, and 32 mpg at a slightly higher ride than a car. I think we’ll really like it, and I hope it will serve us as well as Big Jack.

Takeaway Truth

The bottom line? We are a car culture. E. B. White, in 1943, wrote in One Man’s Meat: “Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car.” Most of us like to get there in a car that’s more than just a means of transportation.

Nothing Like Shiny Chrome

I always think of chrome accessories as jewelry for my car. A little bling really makes it distinctive. CarID.com offers the kind of chrome accessories that make people notice your car or truck. From Acura to Volvo, they have a full selection of trim pieces produced by the best names in the business, for instance, PUTCO®, TFP, and SES Trims. Manufactured from ABS plastic or top quality stainless steel, these accessories are user friendly and easy to install since they’re backed with automotive grade 3M adhesive.

Website Resource

Visit their website to view their selection. If you have any questions, just email them. If you need an instant answer, use the live chat feature or call using their toll free phone number listed on the website. Your purchases are secure and easy since they are a VeriSign Secured and McAfee Secure website, and they take major credit cards along with PayPal and eBillme.

Actually, their Help Zone covers practically any question you may have along with product info and all the info about their ordering, shipping, and return policies.

Takeaway Truth

Customize your ride and increase your pleasure in your set of wheels.

Too Cool

Price Range: High to Wow!

I don’t know why, but I’ve always wanted to try a Segway. That desire really blossomed when I saw a family a few blocks over motoring around on their Segways. Cool. It also looked like a lot of fun.

What’s great is that you don’t have to buy a Segway® Personal Transporter because they’re available to try, rent, or purchase throughout the country and the rest of the world too. Find out about it on their website Segway.com. Click Individual then Get Your Own, and read all about it.

Takeaway Truth

Find your inner child and do something completely different or give that experience to someone. You’ll both find yourself laughing.

I’m like Richard Dean Anderson‘s character in Stargate SG1 who always said: “Bottom line it for me.” They highlight what the test driver, thought from the standpoint of what was outstanding and what needed work.

If you want in depth information on the Subaru or maybe on a Honda Pilot for instance, then go for the Full Review and read all the styling, performance, safety, and feature details.

They offer this on just about every vehicle they review. Something else you should know is that they give their opinion, and they also gather observations and reviews from other drivers and experts in order to present you with a complete picture of the vehicle. That way you get all the information you need to make a good decision.

Green Is Keen

Many people are analyzing the hybrid engines offered by several auto makers. If you’re just starting to look into this kind of vehicle, you might be interested in learning more info about the Prius which sold first in Japan in 1997 and then was introduced worldwide in 2001.

Takeaway Truth

Smart consumers do their homework before they drive to the dealership.

A lot of people are doing their vehicle shopping on the Internet now, and ConklinNewton.com makes that task easy. They give you photos of their inventory along with the price, VIN, store location where you’ll find it, any rebates or incentives offered and more. You can even see the Window Sticker in a PDF file.

Browse their inventory. Maybe you’re interested in a Kansas Cadillac or Kansas Lincoln instead since luxury appeals to you more than fuel economy or sporty looks. You can find what you want, view all the pertinent details, and even call them or Chat Live with an Internet sales professional.

Takeaway Truth

Why waste time physically going from dealer to dealer when you can view inventory on line first and narrow down your selections? That saves time and money.

ConklinNewton.com

Visit their website and check out their models. They’ve got you covered for not just Ford and Lincoln, but also for GM vehicles too. Kansas Chevrolet offers the latest in Chevy cars and trucks. (I’ve got a Chevy Bowtie parked in my driveway, and my Tahoe has been one of the most dependable vehicles I’ve ever owned.)

For the more elegant minded, of course they offer a Kansas Cadillac. Actually, it’s a Cadillac for anyone, not just the lucky residents of Newton, Kansas. The popular CTS, better looking than ever, now comes in a great sport wagon.

Website Resources

The best thing about shopping online first is that you can obtain all the information on a vehicle without wasting time and gasoline by doing it the old school way. You can cruise over to ConklinNewton.com, find exactly what you’re looking for by checking their inventory and their Internet specials. You can even chat live with one of their pros or use their toll free phone number to call for more information.

Before you leave their website, click on About Conklin and view some of their past TV commercials. They’re hilarious. I have this theory that doing business with a company that has a sense of humor is more pleasant and rewarding.

Takeaway Truth

More people should check out the quality vehicles being made in America rather than adopting the old school attitude that foreign is better. In today’s world, that’s just not true.

Secret Revealed

If you haven’t heard of Cheap-AutoInsurance.com, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. They are all about providing you with the right coverage for the lowest price. No Aussie accented lizard or relentlessly perky saleswoman to listen to, just solid information available quickly and easily. All you do is key in your zip code and let the search engine go to work. In less than a minute, you’re given a list of the lowest cost auto insurance providers in your geographic area.

Quick And Easy

Each listing has a big green Quote button next to it. Click it, fill out the requested info, and in short order, you get your quote without the pressure of a sales person. Compare each quote, and you can easily decide which one is the least expensive for the features you want and need. What could be easier?

Actually, there isn’t an easier way to shop for auto insurance that I know of. If you’re a newbie at this, be sure and check out the Definitions section on the different kinds of auto insurance. Also look at requirements for your state because they can vary. For future reference, bookmark the site because they provide a rather comprehensive list of American insurance companies.

For the last 8 years, Cheap-AutoInsurance.com has been asking the question: “Don’t you have something else you’d rather spend your money on?” I bet you know the answer to that one.

Takeaway Truth

Some secrets shouldn’t be secrets. Spread the word.

Take it away, Conklin!

Sure, we all want to drive the huge car with chrome everywhere, navigation, DVD players, and all the works, but that’s just not in the cards for everybody and there’s nothing wrong with that. Luckily, Conklin Cars Newton has a car for every budget. From Kansas Ford and Chevrolet to Kansas Cadillac and Lincoln, there’s something to fit every budget at Conklin Cars Newton.

With everything from cars, trucks, and SUVs across every price range, there’s no reason you can’t find a car that fits your style, needs, and budget at Conklin Cars Newton. When you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle, visit them either online or in person and I’m sure you’ll be driving off the lot in something new and shiny.

Take it away, Empire Covers!

Land and Sea

While Empire Covers doesn’t have anything for your private jet, they do have car covers and boat covers for your land and sea based vehicles. For land they offer car, motorcycle, SUV, and truck covers…as well as a few others. For the sea they offer boat covers and other marine accessories. No matter if you need land or sea protection, Empire Covers has something for you. Check them out online at EmpireCovers.com and pick out the best cover for your needs.

I’m So Bad

Of course, I egged him on by saying we should get four wheel drive since that’s what our old dependable Tahoe is. Then I said, as casually as he, that I thought he should look at the other hybrids if that’s what he’s interested in. I mean, he can find out all about the Toyota Prius on CarConnection.com, one of his favorite wish sites.

Real Info

You know what I mean by a wish site, don’t you? He cruises their website, ogling all the new cars and trucks as if he could actually smell that new car aroma, and wishing he owned a ten car garage. The good thing about Car Connection is that they have comprehensive reviews based on road tests and the best of the reviews compiled from around the web.

Hybrid or Nonhybrid?

Back to my egging him on, I mentioned that Honda has a hybrid that’s won over a lot of fans. Or he could go for the Toytoa Venza which is all wheel drive and gets good gas mileage too for a nonhybrid car.

By this time, he was wondering how I knew so much about cars. I just laughed that question off. I don’t want him to know, yet, that I’ve been shopping CarConnection.com and wishing for a Ford Flex. Now, that’s my idea of a crossover vehicle made for a design conscious woman of impeccable taste.

Takeaway Truth

Girls can be just as crazy about cars as guys, and I want a Ford Flex. Loaded. In that cinnamon, bronzy color. (Just in case you’re reading, honey.)

X Carbon Fiber.com

This website should be bookmarked by anyone needing parts for a vehicle. For Honda Civic owners, it’s a resource to remember. They’ve got you covered for models from 1988 to current day. Whether you need something that’s part of the Aerodynamics of the vehicle, like a Hood Scoop or Lip Wing, or you need a part for the Suspension, like a Front Strut Tower Bar, X Carbon Fiber has it.

In fact, they have parts for every system of your car from Aerodynamics to Vertical/Lambo Door Conversions. Looking for something hard to find? Don’t hesitate to contact them by phone, fax, email, or use the online form. For your convenience, they take all the major credit cards, and you can shop any time of the day or night.

Takeaway Truth

Wise Internet shopping makes finding car parts easier, convenient, and more cost effective.

Take it away, Guest Blogger!

HUGELY POPULAR AMERICAN CARS

Who doesn’t like an American made car? Whether it’s a car, truck, or SUV, there’s something about driving a vehicle that was made in the good old U.S. of A. That being said, finding the right vehicle at the right price at a dealership near you can be exhausting at best and down right maddening at worst. Thankfully, you can search all of the best dealerships for American cars near you in one easy step. By checking out Ford of Kansas or Chevy of Kansas you can find the dealerships close to you that have the cars, truck, or SUVs you want at the price you’re willing to pay. Why waste time searching all the dealerships dealing with all those sales people when you could be behind the wheel of your new car, truck, or SUV?

Currently, we have a ten year old Chevy Tahoe that’s worth its weight in gold because it has moved all the kids to and from college umpteen times. With the extended warranty on it, we never had to worry that we’d end up with expensive repair bills. That’s the kind of peace of mind you like to have as a driver, and that’s what we have with all three of our vehicles.

They Do The Legwork

Well, guess what? US Warranty Center can get you that same peace of mind by matching you up with an Extended Auto Warranty Company that fits what you need. The great thing about the website for US Warranty Center is that you get access to a Network of Auto Warranty Companies that they’ve screened for you. You don’t have to go from one website to another, not knowing anything about them as you try to analyze them and determine if they’re reputable and can fill your specific warranty needs.

Experience And Expertise

US Warranty Center has multiple years of experience, and it’s all available to you. They offer many different Auto Warranty products at a price that’s affordable because they use their network of Warranty Companies. Because they respect your time, they’ve already researched and analyzed these companies. You don’t have to worry about screening them yourself.

Another way they respect your time and busy schedule is that they don’t make you fill out long, convoluted forms then wait and wait and wait for an agent to contact you. Just fill out the online form or call the toll free number, and you immediately get a US Warranty Center Qualified Specialist contacting you. Then you get a custom, “no obligation” quote faster than a scoop of ice cream melts on a July day.

Takeaway Truth

Smart consumers take advantage of savvy websites to help them conduct their personal business.