MercedesBenz CClass Made Even Classier

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Made Even Classier
By Dwayne Thomas

Mercedes-Benz has recently launched its all new C-Class saloon in Germany and will be presenting the same C-Class in South Africa in August this year. The C-Class emphasizes three elements and these are comfort, agility, and safety.

Each of the Avantgarde, Elegance, and Classic lines emphasize a unique characteristic but share the same technologies such as the Agility Control package which includes a situation-sensor shock absorber control, an Intelligent Light System with five distinct functions and the Pre-Safe preventive occupant protection system. The new C-Class range is also equipped with the same quality auto components such as Mercedes Benz heater core. The Mercedes heater core is a small radiator that helps the primary radiator in cooling the coolant to prevent the possible overheating of the car.

The local specs are to be announced at a later stage and some options may differ from overseas markets. For the overseas theres a choice of four and six-cylinder engines with up to 13 percent more output than the previous model coupled with a six percent lower fuel consumption.

The C-Class Saloon has a length measuring 4581mm and approximately 55mm longer than its predecessor. The body width has also increased by 42mm to 1770mm while the wheelbase has an additional 45mm to 2760mm. these dimensions have enabled the front shoulder room to grow by 40mm.

The design of the new C-Class was derived from the modern Mercedes-Benz approach that includes taut lines, and large tranquil surfaces with the front end highlighting a pronounced wedge-shape. And for the first time in Mercedes Saloon, the radiator grille was used as a distinctive feature to make the model variants more visible in the market.

The sporty Avantgarde model features three extended, horizontal louvers and a big centrally positioned Mercedes-Benz star. The Elegance for its part gets a three-dimensional, louvered radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish which accentuates comfort and luxury. The Classic model as the name suggests has designed that is traditional despite the fact that it is similar to the other two C-Class models in terms of ride and technical specs.

The engines of the C-Class have been increased by around 18 percent in torque while the four and six cylinder units also feature an improved smoothness. Great attention was also given to the further development of the four-cylinder mills. In the petrol range output of the entry-level C 180 Kompressor has been increased from 105kW to 115kW with maximum torque improved 4.5 percent from the previous 220 to 230 Nm, while the C 200 Kompressor develops 15kW more than before.

It also delivers an output of 135kW and revs up a maximum torque of 250 Nm from 2800rpm. It can sprint from 0 to 100km/h by 0.5 seconds faster that any of the previous models. The new C-Class were also made more economical, the C 180 Kompressor consumes 0.31/100km less than the before. On the other hand the combined fuel consumption of the C 200 Kompressor has been reduced by 0.51/100km.

The C-Class diesel option will focus on enhancement of the four-cylinder unit. There are already several improvements done to the engine, turbocharger and common rail direct injection altering more than 90 components in the process. The said modifications were done by engineers at Stuttgart. And as result of the conducted modification is a new C 220 CDI with a peak output of 125kW from the 110kW previously and delivers a potent torque of 400Nm from the previous 2000rpmagain an 18 percent increase power than before. Similarly fuel consumption has been further reduced by up to 0.31/100km and according to Mercedes Benz the C 220 CDI is capable of traveling 100 km on just 6.1 liters of fuel.

The C-Class offered in Europe remains unchanged with a choice of three petrol units developing 200kW, 170kW, and 150 kW. The new C 320 CDI with its six-cylinder engine has an output of 165 kW. All models in the new C-Class except for the C 350 are equipped with a six-sped transmission featuring Agility Control gearshift as standard. Instead the C350 will get a 7G Tronicthe worlds only 7-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. This feature is also available for the rest of the six-cylinder C-Class models on request.

For more about you Mercedes parts needs like Mercedes Benz heater core, visit your trusted online source.

Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.

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Lease VS Buy A Car Always Lease It First And Save Money

Lease VS Buy A Car, Always Lease It First And Save Money
By Ralph Hoffmann

Lease a Car First and Buy it Later
Save lots of money. Analysis about buying or leasing a new car isn't necessary as long as cars are a glut on the market.

To own any car for the least possible price and dread doing a lease vs. buy analyses, don't buy the car; lease it then buy it later and save a lot of money.

Exploit the Glut of Cars for Sale
As long as car production is greater than consumption, and big discounts are available for several years to come, just read the market trends and lease it first and ignore all those lease vs. buy programs.

In the past, car manufacturers moved cars by subsidizing leases. The monthly lease cost was lowered by increasing the residual value, which lowered the monthly lease payment, thereby selling (leasing) more cars.

Lease Residual Values are Inflated in your Favor
But the value of the vehicle at the end of the lease was almost always less than the contracted residual and each of the off-lease cars then had to be sold in the wholesale market at a loss of several thousand dollars.

Some of the big backers of lease financing, Chrysler, some New York banks, and others, each lost several hundred million dollars in each of the past two or three years because they had to sell the off-lease cars on the open market for less than the residual value.

Take Advantage of Too Many Cars for Sale
Therefore the buy or lease a new car decision is moot as long as manufacturers are subsidizing leases because they have too many cars to sell; a one-time opportunity is present, namely:, lease it now and buy it at a discount the end of the lease and save thousands of dollars.

Having to make a lease vs. buy decision is no longer necessary as long as supply exceeds demand and the old rules are now dictated by a surplus of cars< on the market, this is the time of opportunity for an car buyer.

Compounding the problem for the heavily unionized manufacturers is that their labor contracts are so juicy that those car manufacturers are better off continuing to give away cars rather than to close a plant and pay unaffordable health and welfare and pension benefits to laid off employees.

This Opportunity will only last for Two or Three more Years.
This situation will not change for several years until consolidation, plant closings, or bankruptcies have cured the problem. until the. Plant closings will be a last resort.

Therefore the glut of new cars will likely continue for a few years. Now is the prime time to consider taking advantage of a declining resale value of most cars. The subsidized lease will continue to be offered

Should I Buy or Lease a New Car
By initially leasing a car, the maker is essentially offering a price that cant be beaten. It may actually approach or be lower than the employee cost widely advertised. Then buy the car at the end of the lease.

At the end of the car lease the company financially backing the lease most likely will sell the car on the open market at a loss. Why not intervene at that point and buy the car for less than the residual value and put that loss into your pocket as money saved?

Check out your Car's Used Car Value Prior to Lease End
About three months before the end of the lease, cruise the used car lots and notice what your car is being offered at. Note tha the used carprice is always higher than the resiudal value to allow for dealr costs and profit. A ten percent cushion is not unreasonable.

Then compare the asking price on the used car lot with the residual value in your lease contract. The residual value may be larger than the asking price for a similar model on the used car lot. That means that the company owning your leased car will have to sell it at a loss when you turn it in.

Now you put in the knife and buy the car (no commissions paid to anyone on this transaction) at the end of the Lease and keep several thousand dollars in your pocket.

Bypass the Dealer to make your Buyout Offer
From your dealer, get the phone number of the company that owns the car you leased. Call them and offer to buy your leased car for the asking price on the used car lot less about 10% at least.

If they object, point out that they will have to sell the car at a loss because the residual value is more than what the car is worth on the used car lot. They know that, but hate to admit it.

So lease the car of your dreams today and forget about excess mileage charges.

A true-life example
A business friend of mine had a three-year-old leased car with a contract residual value of $28,000. Looking at the used car lot he found he could buy one just like it for $24,000. He assumed the company that financed the lease would loose at least $2,000 in selling it for less than the contracted residual value.

Through the dealer he offered $22,000 to buy the car as is and his offer was promptly accepted, including 3%, 3 year financing. His dealings, all by phone (no face to face negotiations needed) were with the company financing the lease. To buy any car, or Van or SUV or Light truck, by all means consider the idea of lease vs. buy as your answer.

Ralph writes automotive articles for people wanting to save money when leasing or buying a new car. Visit his web site on this subject at Lease vs Buy a Car or get Tips on Leasing or Buying Car or on Do-it-Yourself projects at DIY Repair Guide

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10 Tips On Buying A Car Online

10 Tips On Buying A Car Online
By Barry Allen

The most happening marketplace in the world today is the internet. E-commerce is here to stay on you can buy and sell just about anything on the World Wide Web from homes, to insurance, to cars to perfumes and medicines.

The internet is replete with websites that offer the world of automobiles at your fingertips. There are car directories, websites hosted by dealers, and websites owned by car manufacturers themselves.

In order to buy a car online you need first and foremost do your home work and learn all about online pricing, dealers tricks, sales strategies and more. Know how to get the best price and ensure that you are not cheated and get what you pay for. Remember knowledge is the greatest tool.

1.First and foremost determine what make of car you would like and whether or not it will fulfill your needs. Ask yourself: what am I going to use the car for; how many people will be traveling in the car; how much can I afford in terms of buying costs and running costs. Remember apart form the on road price you will need to spend for insurance, accessories, licenses, and more.

2.Once you know which model you want log on to the manufacturers site and determine all the details of the model as well as specifications and pricing. Read as many reviews on the car you like as possible and note down what the pros and cons of the car are. Reliable reviews on the web can be found at sites like www.caranddriver.com .

3.Get quotes for the same model from more than one dealer and make a comparison of what is on offer. Websites like www.edmunds.com give MSRPs, invoice prices, true market values and more.

4.Work out in detail what the car is going to cost in totality. That is on road price, dealers charges, insurance, taxes and so on. Find out whether you can buy the car by availing a loan and how much the loan will cover. To get the best rate you must provide the lender with your credit score and history and establish your credentials. There are tools on the internet that enable quick computation of loan options and comparisons.

5.Make a list of questions you need answers for from the dealer such as warranties, delivery costs, insurance coverage, cost of filing up the tank, available discounts, and any offers that give discounts on the price or free accessories like music systems or baby seats. Ask about whether they will furnish an onsite inspection report.

6.You can opt to buy insurance either from the dealer or from insurance sites. Even while purchasing insurance you will need to do a comparison shopping. Get quotes from different auto insurance providers and make the effort to compare insurance coverage packages.

7.There are wonderful sites on the internet that provide in depth information for newbies on how to buy a car and what to look for on the World Wide Web. Be sure to read and be an informed buyer.

8.Before you make any payments you must do a background check on the seller. Find out how long they have been in operation; ask for references that you can check on personally; check online whether there are any complaints registered against them for unethical practices; and check with the local better business bureau. Always check the credentials to protect your interests.

9.Ensure that the website from where you intend to buy a car has state-of art security systems in place and that the payment gateways are secure. You must be assured of your safety before providing personal or financial details.

10.Before finalizing the car purchase, read through the agreement carefully and when in any doubt ask for clarifications. Most online auto sales websites have 24/7 customer service or answer e-mails promptly.

The World Wide Web can bring several conveniences to your desk top provided you know how to protect your interests.

Barry Allen is a freelance writer for http://www.1866cars.com/ , the premier website to find help on Cars including topics on car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Auto Loans site http://www.1888autoloans.com/

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Zero Percent Financing Offered By Ford

Zero Percent Financing Offered By Ford
By Jay Stevens

Up until Labor Day, you can purchase a Ford vehicle with zero percent financing for seventy two months. This was the main piece of news that the Ford Motor Company announced just very recently to the motoring public and to the automobile industry. Primarily, this move was done so as to sell out any remaining 2006 Ford vehicle models and in the process give way for the 2007 Ford line up.

If you have not yet heard, the Ford Motor Company has been suffering for several months now because of low and declining sales. Aside from that, the company is also suffering from loss of funds for they had just recently sent out a huge recall of several Ford vehicle models that were found out to be prone to starting fires. Of course, with that, the company would have to shell out huge amounts of money so as to replace any affected parts like Ford Granada parts as well as spending the money on people who would be doing the replacements and the testing of the recalled vehicles.

As per this new incentive program from the auto manufacturer from Dearborn, the company clarifies that this has been done not just for those customers who have excellent credit and live on the high end. Whitney Drake, one of Fords spokespeople, further explains that this program could be availed by anybody who is interested and simply has good credit scores. If you are interested, the zero percent financing program includes 2007 vehicles models from the company like the 2006 Ford Lincoln as well as 2006 Mercury vehicle models. Also included in the list is the Ford F-series pick up truck which is one of the companys best selling vehicles.

On the end of experts in the automotive industry, Paul Taylor, the chief economist of the National Automobile Dealers Association or the NADA, has his own analysis of the situation. He explains, After a hot summer and moderate sales, expect hotter sales pace in Big Three trucks fueled by incentives, and some increase in fleet placements. And this is exactly what Ford is doing.

Ford Granada parts

Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.

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Is There Such A Thing As A Trustworthy Mechanic?

Is There Such A Thing As A Trustworthy Mechanic?
By Kim Oxford

At some point everyone needs a mechanic for their car, and it's hard to find a trustworthy mechanic. However there are steps you can take to help you choose the lesser of all evils when it comes to who repairs your transportation. In the end you need to be able to trust the guy repairing your brakes, putting on your tires and monitoring your fluids.

Trusting Dealerships
Many of us just throw our hands up and take our car to the dealership when we have problems with them. If you consider that they are the experts when it comes to your specific make and model it's a smart option, unfortunately it's also a pricey one. When it comes to rare vehicles and some imports it is probably advisable to stick with dealership expertise. Same if you hold an extended warranty purchased from the dealership, at least be sure to stay within their approved mechanic circle to ensure you do not void any part of your warranty.

In reality most of us don't drive rare imports and don't want to pay the extra money the dealership will charge us. This coupled with the less than average customer service that many experience at the hands of any dealership service department make a trip there for repairs nothing short of a horror movie. Never fear, there are other options.

Chain Service Shops
There are many chain shops to choose from, which is confusing if you consider that many times mechanic shopping is done under duress. Give yourself peace of mind and research your mechanics before your car breaks down, so when something goes wrong you already know where to take it. Chain mechanics can be tricky, some franchise locations may employ better mechanics than others under the umbrella of the same name. This is generally a trial and error process, so if you find one you think you like, be sure to always have a plan B.

Neighborhood Mechanic
Not all of us are lucky enough to be in the car business, or even know anyone with any mechanical skill. However, many times a local neighborhood mechanic can be your best bet. Often they are mom and pop shops and that makes every customer an important one. This can also mean much more personalized service from someone who wants to get your future business. Lacking the impersonality of chain store mechanics just working for their hourly, this option may cost more than the chain stores do, but could just prove to be worth it in the long run.

No Matter Where You Go, Do These 3 Things First

Finding the good stuff is never easy, but if you follow the few simple steps below you can at least start off with the best to choose from

1. Look them up with the Better Business Bureau. Right away you can eliminate mechanics who have had negative reports filed about them. Our lives are busy, if someone took the time to report them, they aren't worth a second glance.

2. Utilize organizations such as the ASE, start off with options that are well endorsed.

3. Ask your friends. Everyone knows how hard it is to find a trustworthy mechanic, so be sure to ask around. Usually people are happy to share a good mechanic, lets keep the good ones in business folks.

Kim is a Creative writer for Cash4UsedCars.com and loves to write about cars. Check out more used vehicle information at Cash4UsedCars.com.

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Honda Accord Coupe 2005: The Weekly Driver Review

Honda Accord Coupe 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
By James Raia

Just inside the guard gate, the world renowned 17-Mile Drive in Carmel, Calif., begins with a primarily downhill and often winding two-lane road to Pebble Beach Golf Links. The tree-lined route features lavish, oceanfront homes and a predominately forest-like setting along California's central coast.

It's a perfect several-mile locale for drivers who like to shift through gears. And it's not-so-surprisingly pleasant while doing so in the 2005 Honda Accord.

With its V6, six-speed manual transmission offering, the exceedingly popular model crosses categories. The Accord is listed as a midsize vehicle and it's often compared to the Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.

But the 24-valve, 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower coupe is just as much sports car as it is anything else. And it provides one more reason why the Accord in its more than 25 varieties is among the most popular and most often best-buy categorized vehicles on the road.

During my weeklong test drive, I drove the Accord Coupe round-trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. The interstate portion of the journey included about 400 miles. I drove the aforementioned section of the 17-Mile Drive six times round-trip on clear, blue sky days and in heavy rain. It made little difference.

In all driving conditions, the Accord Coupe performed with confidence. Steering and handling is responsive and poised. Lane changes are smooth. While not as quick as other vehicles categorized as sports cars, the Accord Coupe accelerates well and finds its ways through gears more than adequately. Its 17-inch wheels further add to the tight road feel. The Accord's ride is also adequately quiet.

Like all Hondas, the Accord Coupe's interior is designed in a straightforward manner. Gauges and all instrumentation are clean and used simply. The navigation system is likewise efficient and easy to learn.

Despite its coupe status, front-seat passengers have comfortable leg, body and head room. Back seat passengers (two fit comfortably) have easy access. Side rear-view vision is slightly impeded by headrests and side pillars. The driver's seat, while comfortable for a six-foot, 185-pound driver, is void of the superior seat cushioning of high-end vehicles.

Standard interior features are plentiful: leather-trimmed seats, AM/FM, six-disc CD with six speakers, XM satellite radio, heated front seats, power window and door locks, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, cruise control, exterior temperature gauge, sunglass holder and well-positioned armrests and storage compartments.

Finding fault with the Accord is difficult, but cargo room could be better, and average city mileage numbers aren't special. Yet, the Honda Accord has built its reputation through the years for good reasons. It does everything well, and offers reliability and great resale value.

Whether a buyer opts for the base LX four-door, four-cylinder sedan, the EX V6 four-door sedan or the EX, V6 coupe, the sportiest model of all, it's hard to improve upon the Accord or find any vehicle with more to offer for the price.

Safety features Dual-stage driver and front passenger dual-stage front, side and side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) 20 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway).

Warranty Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Power train, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileageBase price $28,880

James Raia, freelance journalist in Sacramento, Calif., is author of the syndicated car review column, The Weekly Driver, available on his web site, http://www.ByJamesRaia.com

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