Archive for December, 2011

The Fastest Saloon Jaguar Has Ever Built

Ever since TATA motors took over Jaguar we have seen a change of fortune for the prestigious British car maker. Jaguar has been going from strength to strength over the past few years and the introduction of the XF has certainly helped Jaguar regain consumer confidence. Earlier on this year the all new XJ was also launched and had everyone fascinated. A new release for Jaguar always come with a lot of hype and the hope that they can deliver a new ground breaking addition to its range.

The new Jaguar XJ is a huge move away from the conventional XJ look with the twin headlights and long front and rear. The 2011 model has kept some elements of the old XJ which was favourable with fans- the long bonnet and dominant front grill.

The XF has become a very popular car amongst executive saloon drivers, giving the BMW 3 Series a bit of a scare. The face lifted XF launched in September is looking to take the XF even closer to its more established rivals.

The XJ sits in a higher segment, competing with the S Class and other full size premium luxury cars. The new XJ has been received well by both motoring journalist and consumers. In order to make the XJ appealing Jaguar has introduced a new Sport Pack for the XJ available at a Jaguar dealernear you. These can be found across the country with people who seem to know a lot about these models.

The Sport Pack for the XJ consists of new 20 inch ‘Venom’ alloy wheels – red painted brake callipers – aerodynamic styling to the front and rear plus optional sport seats for the front and the rear. The radiator grill has a gloss black mesh finish with the same treatment applied to the lower air opening and side vents.

The aerodynamic enhancement of the Sport Pack now allows the supercharged XJ models to be offered with the extra XJ Speed Pack, which raises the limited top speed from 155mph to 174mph, turning the supercharged XJ model into the fastest saloon Jaguar has ever built!

It would seem as always Jaguar are putting the thoughts on their improvements solely in the hand of their loyal customers. Listening to feedback and every time striking gold. Customers and journalists love there new models and cannot wait to take them out for a spin. how about you?

Car Theft: Thieves Are Targeting Efficient Family Cars Like The Accord and Camry

Did you know that car thieves usually steal average family cars like the Accord, Camry and trucks like the F-150? Most people assume that criminals would rather steal exotic autos or at least luxury cars but they are after the normal, every day cars that most of us drive. When it comes to theft, no other state comes close to California. Fresno, Modesto, Bakersfield, Spokane, Vallejo, Sacramento, Stockton, Visalia, San Francisco/Oakland and Yakima are the cities with the most number of thefts in the nation.

Cities which have seen an increase in theft include Fresno, Modesto, Spokane and Vallejo.The states that follow California with the most thefts are: Texas, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Arizona, Maryland, Georgia and Nevada. It’s not all bad news though; thefts are down overall in seven years.

Curious as to why thieves are stealing average cars like Camry and Accord’s? It’s because these autos can be stripped for their valuable parts which then can be resold. The parts can be resold for even more than the car is actually worth. Parts are very much in demand because many drivers are keeping their cars longer due to the economic situation.

Of the newer cars less than 5 years old that were stolen last year, the 2007 and 2009 Toyota Camry are settled at number one and two respectively. Following the 2009 Camry is the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, 2007 Cadillac Escalade and 2006 Ford F-250 Series.

Auto thefts are down to a 25 year low of nearly 57 percent partly because of systems like the GPS products and the Lojack systems. Moreover, auto manufacturers are now including anti-theft devices with their cars.When the car is stolen the GPS system in the car allows an operator at a computer screen to follow the movement of the vehicle. Police are given directions to the vehicle.

There are a few things you can do in order to prevent theft. One of them is having a kill switch installed in your car. This way the engine will only start if the key sends a signal to the computer. Other things you can do include parking in a garage which is always safer than parking outdoors. Make sure you don’t park in a neighborhood that is known for theft. Don’t forget to lock your doors. Many people won’t lock their doors if they are running into the gas station or store but it’s important to always lock them no matter what. All it takes is just a few seconds to jump in and steal your ride.It’s a good idea to install an alarm which might deter some thieves. Lo Jack is an alarm system that helps guide law enforcement to your car when it’s stolen. A device like The Club can also help to deter thieves.If you do have to park outside try to park in a public lot that has ample of lighting. Take all valuables with you and don’t forget your cell phone, ipads or other fancy electronics inside as this can attract the attention of thieves.

7 Tips for Buying Used Auto Parts

Getting a car repaired can be a frustrating process. Since we need our cars on a daily basis, we want to do everything we can so that it is fixed quickly and inexpensively. For those on a budget, purchasing a used part makes sense. In many cases, it will do the job just as well as a new part but can save you a significant amount of money. The cost of labor alone will be plenty. Purchasing a used auto part is also good for the environment. By recycling the car part it’s one less item that ends up in a junk yard or landfill. Used auto parts are largely available and relatively easy to obtain but many people are still unaware of the steps that they should take before purchasing and can make some avoidable mistakes. Below are 7 tips for buying used auto parts:

Do Your Research
For someone that doesn’t know much about cars it’s easy to confuse one part with another. Know exactly what part it is that you need and research how much it typically costs. If possible, bring the car part with you to find an exact match.

Scope out the Providers
There are numerous options when purchasing used auto parts. You can buy directly from a junkyard, have your mechanic find used parts for you, or purchase the parts online. Ask around and get recommendations. Check out the businesses online to see if you find any scams or negative feedback. You don’t want to buy used auto parts from a shady company.

Ask about Return/Exchange Policies
There is always a risk factor when buying anything used. You don’t want to buy a part only to have it not work properly. It’s important to feel comfortable knowing that there is a clear return/exchange policy and some kind of warranty. Have a firm understanding of the warrantee before making a purchase. You don’t want to get scammed because you didn’t read the fine print. If they don’t even offer a warranty, find a different place that will.

Get the Part History
How old is the part? How many miles the previous car go? This information can help guide your decision.

Consider Safety
While numerous used car parts are just fine, think twice about parts that directly correlate with safety, especially if you are often driving around passengers and small children. Some parts are best to purchase new.

Think About Color Match
This mostly pertains to body parts that are seen on the outside. While a part might fit perfectly, it may not be the right color and it may be difficult, if not impossible, to paint or stain it so that it matches. While some may not be worried about this, for others this would be a deal breaker.

You Don’t Have to Go to the Big Guy
Sure there are plenty of well known national chains that sell used auto parts, but they are likely more expensive and the parts have the same quality as those that you would find at a neighborhood yard or a smaller retailer online. Do your research and compare prices. Some yards may even be willing to negotiate a price with you.