Owner: Automotive Blogger URL:http://www.automotiveblogger.net Join Date: Mon, 07 May 2007 09:11:26 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: All things automotive are topics at AutomotiveBlogger.net. Car guys and gals will love it, and it's a good reference for people who want to learn more about the vehicles they see every day. Site statistics:Click here
Value of an Inspection 2007-06-28 07:06:48 I spend a lot of time surfing various sites on the ‘net like Ebaymotors.com, Autotrader.com, Craigslist.org, local site AreaCars.com, and a bunch of others. Generally I’m checking out cars for sale. One thing that has always kept me from buying a car completely unseen is the idea that I’ve never actually seen the car. The person selling the car has the upper hand, because they know the condition of the car, and I’m usually a few thousand miles away drooling at a car that I can’t actually examine myself. Add to that the fact that, at least on eBay, you get in trouble if you win the bid on a car and don’t actually buy it.
Since I’m a web programmer to make money and a car guy to spend it, I thought maybe there has to be a way to get around this fear. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only person who is a bit apprehensive about buying a car site unseen. Businesses like Auto2auto.com only sell cars online - no showrooms at all.
As it turns ou Read more:Value
, Inspection
Top 25 Cars of the past 25 years that made a difference - of some sort 2007-06-27 07:12:53 Celebrating its 25th anniversary, USA TODAY has been releasing top 25 lists each week of everything from biggest public meltdowns to top TV moments to most memorable quotes. In this week’s edition, the news giant revealed its list of 25 cars that made a difference
.
The Top 10: 1992 Toyota Camry; 1991 Ford Explorer; 2001 Toyota Prius; 1984 Chrysler minivans; 1986 Hyundai Excel; 1986 Ford Taurus; 1990 Lexus LS 400; 1990 Mazda Miata; 1986 Acura Legend and 1996 Toyota RAV4. For a complete list, visit http://www.usatoday.com/news/top25-vehicles.htm.
The latest in tacky car accessories 2007-06-26 07:08:48 Just when you thought it was safe to venture back out onto the city streets without fear of being accosted by such automotive atrocities as:
Spinner hubcaps:
or Truck Nutz:
All of a sudden there’s a new player in town to sap the remaining class and dignity out of your ride. Enter RhineStripes and RhineFlames from the minds of LA Stones FX. Here are some examples of these - ummm…. products.
That last one was especially disturbing to me, since it’s a Lamborghini Countach. It looks like whoever owns that car lost a bet to a crazy cat lady with a Bedazzler. There is no sane person who pays $300,000 for a Lamborghini Countach and then sticks rhinestone pinstripes on it.
Thanks to Zach for sending the link to me!
Lamborghini Countach, RhineStripes, RhineFlames, LA Stone FX, TruckNutz, Bedazzler
Writer Needed 2007-07-03 10:18:01 This site is currently in need of a writer. If you have any interest in writing on the topic this site covers, feel free to submit an application at 451 Press. Thank you. 451 Press, Automotive, Writer
s Needed
If I had $300 dollars I would buy___. ; A 451 Press contest. 2007-07-31 15:41:59 If I had $300 dollars
I would buy________.
What would you buy with $300? Or even $200 or $100? Now is your chance to find out! Comment on any 451 Press
site during the month of August and you could win! Three comments will be chosen at random to win a cash prize of $300, $200 or $100. The more you comment the more chances you have to win. So start reading and let those fingers fly.
Tech Thursday: MyGig 2007-08-02 21:20:12 If you read car reviews at all, you’ve probably noticed the phrase “MyGig” coming up in the options lists for Chrysler (and Dodge, and Jeep) cars. But do you know what it is?
Based on what is essentially a 20Gb hard drive embedded into your car, MyGig includes a USB jack, two audio outputs, and a line-in jack in addition to the standard AM/FM radio, as well as a DVD/CD player, and a 6.5-inch touch-screen with voice command recognition. There’s also a SIRIUS Satellite Radio (and it’s just a chip in the radio instead of a separate unit) and Bluetooth capability for hands-free phone use.
Part of that 20Gb hard drive is dedicate to holding navigation software, but the rest of it is yours to use. The system will let you rip CDs directly to the hard drive, or you can use the USB port to transfer music or pictures, all of which can be played back through the system.
The first appearance of the MyGig package was on the 2007 Chrysler Sebring, but it will eventually be available on Read more:Thursday
Women on Wheels: Women in the Winners Circle 2007-08-01 23:54:58 Last Thursday, July 26th, Indianapolis Motor Speedway played host to the fifth annual “Women
in the Winner’s Circle
” luncheon. The event, which began in 2003, just one event sponsored by the Women in the Winners
Circle (formerly Lyn St. James) Foundation (WWCF) , a non-profit organization that also sponsors driver development and diversity programs, an educational program, and advocacy for women in motorsports.
While the point of the luncheon is to raise funds for the Foundation’s activities, there are also honorees and awards. This year, they included Harold Matthews who was presented with the Opportunity Award in recognition of his support of Brittany Frosh, a mini-sprint racer, and Denise McCluggage, a journalist, author, and racing driver who received the Mildred Marcum Pioneer award.
To date, the WWCF, which sponsors include NASCAR and USAC, has trained more than 230 female race-car drivers and contributed to Girls, Inc, as well as other charitable organi Read more:Wheels
Top Ten Most Fuel Efficient Cars 2007-07-31 23:45:56 With May 2007 sales numbers showing 21% of auto purchases being for compact cars, and the Toyota Prius being the best-selling car in San Jose, California last month, it is obvious that more and more consumers are looking at fuel economy as a primary factor when choosing a car.
It’s helpful, then, that the Environmental Protection Agency puts out a list of the most fuel-efficient cars each year. The list for the 2007 model year isn’t new - it came out last October - but it bears repeating.
Ranked in order from highest fuel efficiency to lowest, here is the 2007 list:
Toyota Prius (60 city/51 highway): It’s not surprising that this is the front runner, with it’s hybrid-electric engine, as it’s still the poster-child of hybrids. What surprised me was the greater difference between the city and highway numbers. (It’s normal for hybrids to do better in stop-and-go driving, however.)
Honda Civic Hybrid (49/51): The Civic has long been Honda’s bes Read more:Top Ten
Under New Management 2007-07-31 22:43:48 This is just a brief post to let readers know this blog is under new management. In coming days you can look for regular features, like Top-Ten Tuesday, Technology Thursday, Alt-Fuel Friday and Business Monday.
Suggestions for topics are welcome (we’re thinking of a series on the history of various auto manufacturers or something on women in the automotive industry), as is general chatter.
Read more:Management
Friday Five: Convertibles 2007-08-03 22:43:35 Ah, August. Here are the days of unending heat, without any three-day weekends to break up the monotony before school begins once more - or, if you’re among the child-free - before September 1st, and the push for Christmas-ready marketing. Either way, what better way to get around in summer than in a convertible. Hard top or ragtop, these cars ARE summer.
In May, 2007, James Raia offered his top five cars of summer in this article. His list, which included the 2007 model year only:
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Pontiac Solstice
Saturn Sky
Volkswagen Eos
Volvo C70 T5
Great cars, all, especially if a new vehicle is the only one you’ll consider.
As for me? My top five is a bit more eclectic, and not linked to specific model years.
Chrysler Sebring: for its smooth ride, and spacious interior
Dodge Viper: for feeling like you’re in a race car.
Ford Mustang: because no convertible is cooler.
Mazda Miata: so tiny they’re more an outfit than a car, but zippy, even so Read more:Friday
Women on Wheels: Spotlight on Sara Christian 2007-08-08 18:55:43 Quick question: Who was the first woman to drive for NASCAR?
If you answered “Sara Christian
” you either paid attention to the title of this post, or you really know your racing history.
Inducted into the Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame in 2004, Christian was only part of NASCAR in 1949 and 1950, but there are a lot of key events associated with her name.
To start, she won the title Woman Driver of the Year from the United States Drivers Association in 1949. That same year, she drove in NASCAR’s first race at Charlotte Speedway on June 19th 1949, after placing 13th in the qualification race, driving a #71 Ford that her husband, Frank Christian, owned. She let fellow racer Bob Flock drive it for part of the race, after the engine in his own car died on the 38th lap. The Ford overheated, but Flock finished in 14th place.
Three weeks later, Sara’s competitors in the second race at the Daytona Beach Road Course included Louise Smith and Bob Flock’s Read more:Women
, Wheels
, Spotlight
Safety First! 2007-08-07 22:28:48 Read any auto review, and safety features will be given almost as much attention as engine specs. Either the array of safety systems is lauded, or the lack thereof is denigrated, and sometimes mocked. In either case, the message is clear: driving fast is cool, but getting there in one piece is cooler.
This, then, is a list of ten features or systems that protect us as we’re zooming from point a to point b, or beyond:
AirbagsThey prevent you from crashing into the steering wheel (and impaling yourself on the steering column) and also prevent severe cranial injuries. The newest versions are set to “depower” themselves - reduce power after they’re activated - to keep them from causing injuries while preventing fatalaties.
Computers Whether they’re the powerful type of computer that aid in the design and manufacture of our cars, or the mini-processors on board, without which many other safety features wouldn’t work, computers are a crucial component of Read more:Safety
, First
Cerberus Names New Chrysler CEO 2007-08-06 17:57:38 If you follow the business operations of the auto industry at all, you know that a corporation called Cerberus
has taken over the reins at Chrysler
. They’ve just named Bob Nardelli CEO, and he along with former CEO Tom LaSorda were part of a press conference today in which LaSorda pledged his support of both Chrysler and Nardelli.
In addition, Nardelli endorsed the recovery and restructuring plan which LaSorda had launched in February, and both men met with United Auto Workers president Ron Gettelfinger, and Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove, both of whom represented employee’s concerns over the new management.
While Tom LaSorda is supporting Nardelli, however, his former second-in-command, COO Eric Ridenour has chosen to leave the company, resigning after a 23-year tenure.
Industry analysts were somewhat surprised by the naming of Bob Nardelli to the top-spot, calling his appointment an interesting choice, and expressing doubts about his ability to give Chrys Read more:Names
Friday Five: Convertibles 2007-08-03 22:43:35 Ah, August. Here are the days of unending heat, without any three-day weekends to break up the monotony before school begins once more - or, if you’re among the child-free - before September 1st, and the push for Christmas-ready marketing. Either way, what better way to get around in summer than in a convertible. Hard top or ragtop, these cars ARE summer.
In May, 2007, James Raia offered his top five cars of summer in this article. His list, which included the 2007 model year only:
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Pontiac Solstice
Saturn Sky
Volkswagen Eos
Volvo C70 T5
Great cars, all, especially if a new vehicle is the only one you’ll consider.
As for me? My top five is a bit more eclectic, and not linked to specific model years.
Chrysler Sebring: for its smooth ride, and spacious interior
Dodge Viper: for feeling like you’re in a race car.
Ford Mustang: because no convertible is cooler.
Mazda Miata: so tiny they’re more an outfit than a car, but zippy, even so Read more:Friday
Tech Thursday: MyGig 2007-08-02 21:20:12 If you read car reviews at all, you’ve probably noticed the phrase “MyGig” coming up in the options lists for Chrysler (and Dodge, and Jeep) cars. But do you know what it is?
Based on what is essentially a 20Gb hard drive embedded into your car, MyGig includes a USB jack, two audio outputs, and a line-in jack in addition to the standard AM/FM radio, as well as a DVD/CD player, and a 6.5-inch touch-screen with voice command recognition. There’s also a SIRIUS Satellite Radio (and it’s just a chip in the radio instead of a separate unit) and Bluetooth capability for hands-free phone use.
Part of that 20Gb hard drive is dedicate to holding navigation software, but the rest of it is yours to use. The system will let you rip CDs directly to the hard drive, or you can use the USB port to transfer music or pictures, all of which can be played back through the system.
The first appearance of the MyGig package was on the 2007 Chrysler Sebring, but it will eventually be available on Read more:Thursday
Women on Wheels: Women in the Winners Circle 2007-08-01 23:54:58 Last Thursday, July 26th, Indianapolis Motor Speedway played host to the fifth annual “Women
in the Winner’s Circle
” luncheon. The event, which began in 2003, just one event sponsored by the Women in the Winners
Circle (formerly Lyn St. James) Foundation (WWCF) , a non-profit organization that also sponsors driver development and diversity programs, an educational program, and advocacy for women in motorsports.
While the point of the luncheon is to raise funds for the Foundation’s activities, there are also honorees and awards. This year, they included Harold Matthews who was presented with the Opportunity Award in recognition of his support of Brittany Frosh, a mini-sprint racer, and Denise McCluggage, a journalist, author, and racing driver who received the Mildred Marcum Pioneer award.
To date, the WWCF, which sponsors include NASCAR and USAC, has trained more than 230 female race-car drivers and contributed to Girls, Inc, as well as other charitable organi Read more:Wheels
Top Ten Most Fuel Efficient Cars 2007-07-31 23:45:56 With May 2007 sales numbers showing 21% of auto purchases being for compact cars, and the Toyota Prius being the best-selling car in San Jose, California last month, it is obvious that more and more consumers are looking at fuel economy as a primary factor when choosing a car.
It’s helpful, then, that the Environmental Protection Agency puts out a list of the most fuel-efficient cars each year. The list for the 2007 model year isn’t new - it came out last October - but it bears repeating.
Ranked in order from highest fuel efficiency to lowest, here is the 2007 list:
Toyota Prius (60 city/51 highway): It’s not surprising that this is the front runner, with it’s hybrid-electric engine, as it’s still the poster-child of hybrids. What surprised me was the greater difference between the city and highway numbers. (It’s normal for hybrids to do better in stop-and-go driving, however.)
Honda Civic Hybrid (49/51): The Civic has long been Honda’s bes Read more:Top Ten
Under New Management 2007-07-31 22:43:48 This is just a brief post to let readers know this blog is under new management. In coming days you can look for regular features, like Top-Ten Tuesday, Technology Thursday, Alt-Fuel Friday and Business Monday.
Suggestions for topics are welcome (we’re thinking of a series on the history of various auto manufacturers or something on women in the automotive industry), as is general chatter. Read more:Management
Friday Five: Turn Up the Music 2007-08-10 10:33:00 I have fond memories of the ancient 8-track player in my uncle’s beat up old Ford pick-up truck. It wasn’t an original part of the truck; he added it, but summer memories are all tied up in trips to the beach with that thing cranking out tunes.
These days, of course, we’re all more likely to plug in an mp3 player or a cd, than any kind of tape (I recently reviewed a new car that had a cassette deck in it, and had to pause and shake my head. Who even owns tapes any more?), and many of us are listening to HD radio, if not satellite, when we do resort to getting our motoring music via airwaves.
So I’ve been thinking tonight about music and cars lately, and I’ve come up with five songs ABOUT cars to share with you today.
Fun Fun Fun, The Beach Boys
Well she got her daddy’s car
And she cruised through the hamburger stand now
Seems she forgot all about the library
Like she told her old man now
And with the radio blasting
Goes cruising just as fast as s Read more:Friday
, Music
Traction Control 2007-08-09 21:32:48 I don’t know about you, but I’ve never completely understood the difference between traction control and stability control, especially since some cars have both, some have one or the other, and some don’t have either. I looked it up, recently, and thought I’d share.
First, it’s important to understand traction control and stability control are not the same thing. Typically, at least on newer cars, traction control is an electro-hydraulic system designed to prevent traction-loss under excessive steering or throttling by the driver.
To do this, it shares actuators and sensors with the anti-lock braking system.
There is a list, actually, of what traction control can do:
Brake wheels (one or more)
Suppress the spark to the cylinders (one or more)
Reduce the fuel supply to the cylinders (again, one or more)
On drive-by-wire cars, it can close the throttle
On turbo-charged cars, it can actuate the boost control solenoid to reduce boost, which in turn reduces e Read more:Traction
, Control
Women on Wheels: Spotlight on Sara Christian 2007-08-08 18:55:43 Quick question: Who was the first woman to drive for NASCAR?
If you answered “Sara Christian
” you either paid attention to the title of this post, or you really know your racing history.
Inducted into the Georgia Automobile Racing Hall of Fame in 2004, Christian was only part of NASCAR in 1949 and 1950, but there are a lot of key events associated with her name.
To start, she won the title Woman Driver of the Year from the United States Drivers Association in 1949. That same year, she drove in NASCAR’s first race at Charlotte Speedway on June 19th 1949, after placing 13th in the qualification race, driving a #71 Ford that her husband, Frank Christian, owned. She let fellow racer Bob Flock drive it for part of the race, after the engine in his own car died on the 38th lap. The Ford overheated, but Flock finished in 14th place.
Three weeks later, Sara’s competitors in the second race at the Daytona Beach Road Course included Louise Smith and Bob Flock’s Read more:Women
, Wheels
, Spotlight
Safety First! 2007-08-07 22:28:48 Read any auto review, and safety features will be given almost as much attention as engine specs. Either the array of safety systems is lauded, or the lack thereof is denigrated, and sometimes mocked. In either case, the message is clear: driving fast is cool, but getting there in one piece is cooler.
This, then, is a list of ten features or systems that protect us as we’re zooming from point a to point b, or beyond:
AirbagsThey prevent you from crashing into the steering wheel (and impaling yourself on the steering column) and also prevent severe cranial injuries. The newest versions are set to “depower” themselves - reduce power after they’re activated - to keep them from causing injuries while preventing fatalaties.
Computers Whether they’re the powerful type of computer that aid in the design and manufacture of our cars, or the mini-processors on board, without which many other safety features wouldn’t work, computers are a crucial component of Read more:First
, Safety
Cerberus Names New Chrysler CEO 2007-08-06 17:57:38 If you follow the business operations of the auto industry at all, you know that a corporation called Cerberus
has taken over the reins at Chrysler
. They’ve just named Bob Nardelli CEO, and he along with former CEO Tom LaSorda were part of a press conference today in which LaSorda pledged his support of both Chrysler and Nardelli.
In addition, Nardelli endorsed the recovery and restructuring plan which LaSorda had launched in February, and both men met with United Auto Workers president Ron Gettelfinger, and Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove, both of whom represented employee’s concerns over the new management.
While Tom LaSorda is supporting Nardelli, however, his former second-in-command, COO Eric Ridenour has chosen to leave the company, resigning after a 23-year tenure.
Industry analysts were somewhat surprised by the naming of Bob Nardelli to the top-spot, calling his appointment an interesting choice, and expressing doubts about his ability to give Chrys Read more:Names
Shipping a Car Overseas 2007-08-14 09:36:34 A few years ago my other half and I were almost relocated from California to England. As part of the process, we investigated the cost of shipping our Subaru Forester across the pond. We learned that if you live near a major port, it’s not that expensive, and that you’re actually allowed to pack the vehicle full (since it’s going in a container, anyway).
For this week’s Top-Ten Tuesday, I’m referring you all to
CanuckAbroad’s Article on Shipping
Cars Overseas because it covers pretty much every point I’d planned to discuss.
In the end, we declined the relocation, because we had pets we didn’t want to quarantine, and because we didn’t really want to be that far apart for six months to a year, but the information was still valuable.
Give Volkswagen a Hand 2007-08-13 09:44:54 Hand it in … hand it over … put your hands up … hands off … hands in your pocket … raise your hands … hands across the water … hand-y … cold hands, warm heart … many hands make light work … hand out … empty handed … off-hand … under-handed … put your hands together … gotta hand it to ya … left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing … hand-out … hands off … wash my hands of … hand over fist … left-handed compliment … play the hand you’re dealt … wringing her hands … hand-me-downs … one hand washes the other … helping hands … Cool Hand Luke … it’s in your hands … it’s out of my hands … a bird in the hand … the sound of one hand clapping … I wanna hold your hand …
Read more:Volkswagen
Friday Five: Driving Under the Influence…Of Food 2007-08-17 09:34:26 While researching an article about heated cup holders, I came across an interesting list that I thought I’d share here. Apparently, even though they’re not officially tracked by insurance companies, there are a significant number of accidents cause by eating while driving.
This week, then, I give you five of the most dangerous non-alcoholic foods (and beverages) that people consume while driving.
Coffee: This should surprise no one. It’s hot, it’s liquid, and even those sip-through lids don’t keep every drop inside the cup where it belongs.
Soup/Chili: Personally I’ve never eaten soup while driving, or chili for that matter, but, like coffee it can easily splash. Because chili and some soups can be greasy, there’s also the problem of permanent staining to the upholstery, as well as your clothing.
Hamburgers: Like chili, there’s a grease factor, like coffee, there’s a heat factor. Add to that the fact that you can’t set a bu Read more:Friday
, Driving
Tech Thursday: Chill Zone 2007-08-16 09:25:04 It was 103 degrees with high humidity where I live yesterday, so you’ll have to forgive me for posting about Dodge’s “Chill
Zone” technology, which is a standard feature of the 2008 Dodge Avenger, at all trim levels, among other models from that maker.
If you’ve missed the recent news about the survey Dodge conducted as part of the marketing campaign for this, the information you need is this: 26% of Americans don’t use their glove compartment at all, 72% do use it, but not for actual gloves, and most Americans keep things like insurance info, sunglasses, tissues and flashlights in the glove box.
Enter Dodge. They’ve added a compartment to the lower front of the glove box, and chilled it with dedicated a/c vents. It can hold up to four standard soda cans, and keep them cool for you.
Now, I’m all for having cold beverages during long, hot summer drives, but I have to wonder if anyone is ever going to make a chilled glove box that is cap Read more:Thursday
Women on Wheels: Spotlight on Lorraine Schultz 2007-08-15 09:28:56 This week’s Woman on Wheels
is LorraineSchultz
, founder of the Women
’s Automotive Association, International (WAAI).
Ms. Schultz started the organization to help the development of women as leaders in the automotive industry, and is currently the “ambassador at large” of AskPatty.com, a website devoted to given women a safe place to ask questions about cars - everything from how to fix problems, to how to approach car dealers.
According to her bio at AskPatty.com, Schultz began her automotive industry career with the acquisition of an interest in the Detroit Model Bureau, which supplied talent for various auto shows. She next became the executive director for the AutoLeather Guild of America, where she spent 19 years, traveling all over the world as part of her job.
In 1999, Ms. Schultz was instrumental in the return of the Automotive Hall of Fame Distinguished Service awards being presented to women, for the first time since 1945.
In addition to working wi Read more:Spotlight
Tuesday Top Five: Tool Kits 2007-08-21 21:33:40 It goes without saying that a tool kit should be in the trunk of every car, especially if you’re going on a long trip, or frequently find yourself on back roads where service stations - or other drivers - are few and far between. Here are our suggestions for five essential elements of your in-car tool kit:
Flashlight: because roadside emergencies don’t always happen when the sun is shining.
Jack: and not just the free one that came with your car. If you spend about $50 you can get a sturdy jack that doesn’t rely on a perfectly flat surface to work correctly.
Lug Wrench: make sure it’s one that fits the lug nuts on your car.
Screw Drivers: you’d be surprised at how useful a set of screw drivers can be.
Socket Wrench: no auto tool kit should be without one. Ever.
Bonus (because we couldn’t stop at just five): Pliers. For grabbing almost anything, pliers are essential.
Your turn: What would you add? What would you remove?
Read more:Tuesday
Business Monday: Dodge/Chrysler is Starry Eyed? 2007-08-20 11:47:44 Today’s news item involves the web-sales policy at Dodge
and Chrysler
. It seems that several of their dealers are up in arms because only those dealerships with a five-star rating are getting referrals from the corporate website. Translation: if you go to Dodge’s website and pop in your zip code, you may get listings for more than one Dodge dealership in your area, but clicking on them will only take you to the storefront for the actual dealership if that dealer has a five-star rating.
According to AutoNews, Dodge/Chrysler says that their website was created for those dealers who achieved five star status (based on sales numbers and customer service rankings), but that they’re re-evaluating.
Dealers who don’t have five-star status say the policy not only hurts them, because they don’t get referrals, but also has the potential to hurt Dodge and Chrysler, because there are potential customers who aren’t being directed to the dealer that may actually Read more:Business
, Monday
Recommend Site To A Friend
