HOW TO GET BETTER GAS MILEAGE

by THE CAR LOAN KING



It seems that every where you turn, the price of gas keeps on rising. Buying and owning a car is certainly a drain on your budget.

Here are some very useful and effective ways that you can save money and achieve better gas mileage.

•A very key element in keeping gas costs at a minimum is to have your vehicle properly maintained for top efficiency. Keeping your brake pads in top shape, as well as spark plugs, and having your oil changed according to schedule will ensure that your gas costs are low and also benefit the environment.

•The most common and most often forgotten way to save gas if to make sure that your tired are properly inflated. Simply, tire pressure is critical in how much gas your car uses. If your tires aren’t fully inflated it causes rolling resistance, this resistance causes your car to drag and waste gas. Keeping your tires around the normal 35 psi will cut your gas costs. Keeping your tires at this recommended pressure will also make your car glide further, so all you heavy footed fast drivers can now take your foot off the pedal!

•Avoid spontaneous pedal acceleration. Try to maintain a steady hold on the gas and when in need of a fast acceleration, try do so steady and evenly. Obviously, when your foot is off the gas, the less gas will be used.

•There is a speed limit for a reason. This is mainly to maintain overall safety; however, if you drive at or around the speed limit, you will waste less gas than if you are driving faster.

•Put your car into neutral when driving down a hill. If it's a steep downgrade leave it in gear and coast that way. The transmission will help slow you down a little on steep downgrades, but in any event try to keep your foot out of the gas for as long as you can.

EVGENI MALKIN LIKES PORSCHE 911

Do you know what car brand and model prefers our reigning Conn Smythe trophy winner? Right now I am not sure. Maybe Geno Malkin has got a new one as a present from his owner Mario Lemieux, but as of spring 2009 he was driving white Porsche 911.


GENO entering his Porsche

Let's look into this one deeper. So please meet PORSCHE 911 Carrera 4

Showing the dynamic attitude typical of the brand, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, are continuing the generation change of the 911 model series. Just a few weeks after the new 911s with classic rear-wheel drive, the all-wheel-drive versions Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S are now entering the market in both Coupe and Cabriolet guise.

A whole range of new technologies surrounding the engine, the transmission and drivetrain ensures an even higher standard of driving pleasure on much lower fuel consumption. Particularly the precision and fast response of the new, electronically controlled all-wheel drive offers an even more intense driving experience, above all in interaction with the likewise new flat-six engines with Direct Fuel Injection and the PDK Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox available as an option.

The features and characteristics of the new engines speak for themselves: Depending on the model, the new all-wheel-drive Carrera offers up to 8.5 per cent more power, up to 12.9 per cent more fuel economy, and 15.4 per cent lower CO2 emissions. Specifically, output of the 3.6-litre power unit is up by 20 to 345 bhp (254 kW). At the same time a Carrera 4 Coupe with PDK, to take just one example, consumes a mere 10.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, equal to 28.0 mpg imp. The improvements on the 911 Carrera 4S with its 3.8-litre power unit are equally significant, with maximum output up by 30 to 385 bhp (283 kW) on overall fuel consumption down in the case of Carrera 4S Cabriolet with PDK to 10.7 litres/100 km, equal to 26.4 mpg imp.



In the new generation of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S electronically controlled PTM Porsche Traction Management replaces the former all-wheel drive with its viscous multiple-plate clutch. This superior system developed for the 911 Turbo and modified for the Carrera models combines the driving pleasure so typical of Porsche with an even higher standard of driving stability, traction and agile handling further enhanced by the mechanical rear axle differential fitted as standard.

The new all-wheel-drive sports cars come with sporting manual transmission featuring six gears. As an alternative the new models are available with Porsche's new Doppelkupplungsgetriebe replacing the former Tiptronic S automatic converter transmission and offering an even faster gearshift on less fuel. The Doppelkupplungsgetriebe or double-clutch gearbox comes with seven gears shifting electrohydraulically without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling force.

The new generation of the 911 model series stands out clearly through the discreet but striking modification of the front end and new lights technology. The new Carrera models come in all cases with bi-xenon headlights and new LED daytime driving lights.


Evgeni Malkin with Conn Smythe Trophy

The newly designed rear light clusters also feature LED technology and for the first time Porsche offers Dynamic Bending Lights as an option. It almost goes without saying that all Carrera 4 models come as before with their muscular rear end 44 millimetres or 1.73" wider than on the two-wheel-drive versions. And a new reflector trim bar between the LED rear lights gives the typical rear end of the car even more dynamic character.

New PCM Porsche Communication Management with its touch-sensitive screen improves operation of the in some cases optional navigation, information and audio systems to an even higher standard. And a further important point is that PCM is now compatible with Bluetooth, USB and iPod requirements.

Source: Porsche Press Releases

TIME TO BUY A NEW CAR

by THE CAR LOAN KING



Time to buy a new Car – What now?
Before you start to brainstorm about what kind of car is best for you, what deal makes the most sense, and where to turn to actually buy the car. It is very important to remember this tip:

The auto industry is a business filled mostly with honest folks, all of whom are trying to do one thing, sell you a car, as quickly as possible, without any complications. It is important for the buyer to be aware that Car Salesmen, Sales Managers and Finance Managers all work on commission. They are thinking about their pay checks first when selling you a vehicle and arranging car financing for you.

The buyer must always go into an auto sale with a plan. Our team here at the Thecar-loanking has over 30 years of auto sales experience. We highly recommend that you know this:

Car dealers make their living according to a selling method designed to influence you into making an emotional and costly car buying decision before you have a chance to think it through. So be Prepared!

Buying a car can almost be like a game of chance. It is not just you versus a car salesperson. When you walk into a car dealership, you face a professionally organized team of pros who perform their sales pitch every day.

In most recent, times, and thankfully for us at the Thecar-loanking, car buyers have turned to the internet to make an auto deal. The human, face to face interaction and the pressures of dealing with a manipulative car salesman are lost to the online space.

However, this issue opens up a whole new batch of questions. Mainly, can a car buyer really find the deal they need from a website? The answer is YES! The Thecar-loanking will provide you with all of the vital information you will need as a car buyer, to purchase a car from a traditional dealership and online.

Remember!
The Thecar-loanking will save you thousands of dollars, tons of time and a whole lot of hassle.

LET'S GET YOU A CAR DEAL - TOP SECRETS

by THE CAR LOAN KING



Right off the bat the Thecar-loanking will tell you that what a car dealer is willing to sell a car for depends a great deal on the supply and demand of that particular vehicle. That seems simple, right?

The higher end luxury cars are sold for more money, because there is a high demand for them. They are eye catching, they are higher performance vehicles, and they are usually better cars. Yet, when buying a car, expect the dealer to stand firm on their starting price. There is not much room for bargaining with a car salesman, because in most cases, the buyer is only buying one car, not multiple automobiles.

Obviously most car buyers want the most recent model, if they can get it. Yet, a very valuable tip is that in some cases, when very popular new models first come out and the supply is primarily low, some car dealers will only sell these new models way above sticker price, to move older inventory first. This is America, home of the American Dream, purveyors of materialism. There are always people willing to pay above sticker to get these new models.

A smart car consumer will buy a car from previous years without fret, and know they are getting a deal compared to a newer model.

The same rule applies if there is a low demand for a vehicle. Usually the dealer will be more willing to give a better deal for a lower demand car.

Shop around. Do not put all your eggs in one basket and go to one dealership. Check your local listings for the dealerships in and around your area.

Don't rush into anything. Go in with the attitude that you are expecting a big discount. Compare, and see what you can get out of them.

A key secret when negotiating for a vehicle only negotiate the actual selling price of the car. Monthly payment or trade-ins will only limit your knowledge of what you are actually paying and prohibit you from getting the best deal. Keep these side deals separate from the actual negotiation.

Remember, when you're shopping for a car you are in control of the whole process. The car dealer can't make you do anything you don't want to do. All you have to do if you are being pressured too much is to get up and leave.

Don't be persuaded to put any money down until after you've made your decision to purchase a particular vehicle and you've negotiated a firm price. A deposit is a real form of control that the dealer should not have on you. If you want the car bad enough, you will buy it. Putting a hastily deposit down may result in money loss if you end up finding a better deal.

There are plenty of car dealers out there who will appreciate your business. There is no need for you to put up with the high pressure tactics some car dealers use to intimidate you into buying and financing through them. Take your time, think things through -- in fact, sleep on any deal before you decide, and you'll get the car you want at the best price available.

Regards,
The Car Loan Kings

FOUR MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO CHECK WHAN BUYING A USED CAR

Hi Alex,

There are four things to check when buying a used car that can save you time and frustration.

Truth be told, there are dozens of things that you could check when you're looking at used cars, but that would take far more time than most of us have.

Looking at the four things to check when buying a used car listed in this article will take a fraction of the time and give you a good idea what kind of car you're about to buy.



1. Vehicle History

This is actually one of the easiest things to check when buying a used car. Services like the constantly advertised, Carfax, exist to make this as easy as possible, and any decent, reputable dealer will be able to provide a vehicle history.

If they don't, you should probably walk away, but you can run your own history with the VIN number. In either case, what you're looking for is a car that hasn't been in any accidents or needed major work done.

2. Exhaust Smoke

You need to have the dealer start the car up for you while you watch the exhaust pipe. What you want to happen is for there to be maybe a little white steam coming out of the car.

You shouldn't get smoke out of the exhaust, unless you're looking at a diesel, in which case a little black smoke initially is acceptable.

White smoke is usually an indicator of engine problems. Blue smoke means the car is burning oil, which is very bad news. Black smoke means there is something wrong with the way the car is burning gasoline. In any event, if the car smokes, you don't want to buy it.

3. Brakes

Another one of the crucial things to check on a used car is the brakes. You're going to need to take the car on a test drive to check this one.

What you want to do is to take the car to an area without traffic, then go around 30 mph and press down hard on the brakes.

You don't want to do this hard enough to slide, but you do want a quick deceleration. If the brakes vibrate or make any strange noises, they need replaced.

If there are any problems with the brakes, you should probably walk away; although these are easily repaired, they usually indicate a car that hasn't been properly maintained.

4. Interior

As far as things to check when purchasing a used car go, this one that doesn't get as much thought as it should. What you are looking for here is a disparity between the interior of the car and the mileage.

If the car has low mileage and a really beat up interior, this is a sign of either poor maintenance or odometer fraud. On the other hand, if it has high miles and a like new interior, this can be a sign the car was owned by somebody who really took car of it.

These four things to check when buying a used car will give you a good picture of the quality of car you're buying, and this will save you big money.
This should only take a few minutes, so make sure you follow the steps and get a car you can rely on.

With Taking the House Edge, you'll have an unprecedented edge before you ever step foot in the dealership.

To put it plainly, there's just some things you learn from the inside that no other "car experts" can tell you about. Dealerships have their sales process down to an absolute science, and only they know where every little psychological hot-button is.

Get Taking the House Edge today and take back control.

Talk soon,

John

ŠKODA AUTO - PROUD SPONCOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION

This spring for the seventeenth time in a row, Škoda Auto is the official main sponsor of IIHF World Championships. The official fleet is made up of 45 Škoda vehicles.


SKODA OCTAVIA

The company is maintaining its position as the longest-ever main sponsor of any sports world championship, a fact that indeed earned Škoda Auto a Guinness World Record in 2007.

In 2008 tt was the very first time for the event to take place in the cradle of ice hockey and, quite symbolically, also the first time in the new-age history for Škoda vehicles to be the official vehicle of the event in the Canadian territory. A fleet of 45 official silver vehicles is made up of Roomster Scouts, Octavias and Octavia Combis, including a sports version (RS) for the International Ice Hockey Federation President René Fasel. Furthermore, the championships in Canada 2008 ans Swizz 2009 were the worldwide TV premiere for the latest Škoda Superb. Two vehicles were displayed in each of the arenas in Quebec and Halifax one year ago.

As usual, Škoda Auto is going to act as the official partner of the Czech and Slovak national teams. In addition to that, the Škoda emblem and logo are going to appear on the Russian team's jerseys and helmets. “This is more than symbolic for us,” says Head of Corporate Communications Martin Lauer and explains why: “Russia is one of our most important markets, a country that offers a huge potential for growth, which is why we opened a brand new Škoda assembly plant in Kaluga last year. Moreover, as an ice hockey superpower, Russia have been a tough sporting rival for the Czech Republic for decades.“

The 2008 IIHF World Championships in Canada marked the 100th anniversary of existence for the International Ice Hockey Federation, as well as for the Czech Ice Hockey Association, long-time partners of Škoda Auto. Škoda Auto has been a partner of the IIHF since the world championships in Czechoslovakia in 1992 when its products were the official vehicles of the event for the first time. One year later, the Company became the main partner of the IIHF World Championships. The partnership with the Czech Republic's national team also started in 1992.


SKODA FABIA

In addition Martin Lauer says: “The championships are going to see the world's best teams, and we wish every success to the Škoda brand and products, as well as to ice hockey alone. Our liaison with the world's fastest team sport is positive in terms of brand and product visibility and awareness which, along with a positive image, is the key precondition for good results of the entire Škoda Auto corporation."

The roots of this famous Czech automobile manufacturer lay in the bicycle manufacturing business established by Vaclav Klement and Vaclav Laurin in Mlada Boleslav near Prague. Within four years the company began the manufacture of motorcycles, moving into motor car production with the Voiturette A in 1905. In 1925 Klement and Laurin merged with the Skoda Company, a manufacturer of engines and industrial products, and soon established a reputation for the manufacture of luxury limousines such as the 1929 Skoda 860 and the technologically sophisticated Superb designed in 1934 and in production until 1949. During the Second World War Skoda centred its activities on the production of military transport and, in 1946, was nationalized and given a monopoly on passenger car production including the 1946 Tudor range. In the 1950s and 1960s the company manufactured a number of celebrated models such as the Spartak and the Estelle, followed by a period of difficulty in the face of stiff European competition until the introduction of the Favorit in 1988. With the softening of relations with the West, and the corporate goal of developing new markets, the company became a member of the Volkswagen group (incorporating Audi and SEAT) in 1991. The Felicia was launched in 1994 followed by the Octavia, produced in a new assembly plant in 1996. A new Design Centre was established in Mlada Boleslav in 1999 and the image of Skoda, previously often seen as a manufacturer of cheap, fairly basic models, was altered with the launch of the award-winning Fabia in the UK in 2000. This was followed by the launch of a more luxurious version of the Octavia in 2001 and another new model, the Superb (named after its successful 1930s predecessor), characterized by a spacious interior, comfort, and technological sophistication.

CAR HOCKEY. NEW SPORT?

Kind of joke, but funny!