The fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent, which gets up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway, was named the most dependable sub-compact car by J. D. Power and Associates in its 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2005 model year) vehicles. The study is based on the responses of more than 52,000 owners of new vehicles bought between November 2004 and April 2005.
While used cars at used car dealerships are cheaper, General Motors (GM) reports these types of dealerships may create more of a risk than a bargain compared to their own dealers.
GM has documented more than 400 hours of footage highlighting these risks and posted it on an interactive Web site (www.UsedCarAmbush.com). The video below includes general views of used car dealerships, a narrated package on these types of purchases and soundbites.
We at PreOwnedCar.com believe in value of good dealers - they can add immense value. Good dealers and sales people can save ones time, help narrow down best match for ones requirements (money or driving habit wise) and reduce the uncertainties in the overall process. They are ethical, upfront (do not post ads as regular users), respectful of your wishes and sometimes hard to find.
But when you have time to spare, some knowledgeable help and good common sense - money wise, there might be a better value in buying direct from a owner.
Which ever way you decide to go. We hope the clips on that site will give you some perspective on dealer vs. authorized dealer.
As always, please exercise caution when dealing on your own and do your homework.
Nissan previewed the next generation of environmental vehicles at the Nissan Advanced Technology Week, with the unveiling of a range of all-electric and original hybrid electric prototypes powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries. Other highlights included the presentation of an All-Around Collision Free prototype and of the world first eco pedal to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the next generation fuell cell stack with doubled power density.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s substantial research and development program on zero emission vehicles. This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.
The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
The Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies – a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.
The parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimizing system with two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimize and conserve energy utilization as well as improve fuel-efficiency.
The parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear acceleration for improved driving feel.
ECO Pedal
ECO Pedal – a world first technology – designed to assist drivers to become more fuel-efficient. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelarator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his/her driving behavior. The ECO Pedal system can be turned on or off according to the driver’s preference.
Nissan plans to commercialize the ECO Pedal during 2009. Research conducted by Nissan has shown that by using the ECO Pedal drive system, drivers can improve fuel efficiency by 5-10%, depending on driving conditions.
After traveling through Western Europe and Africa on a pair of motorcycles, actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s “Long Way Down” journey will be shown in movie theaters for one night only throughout the U.S. Presented by NCM Fathom and Wasserman Media, the “Long Way Down” event chronicles their 15,000-mile excursion which started in Scotland and ended in South Africa. Tickets are available at www.fathomevents.com. The video below includes footage from the journey and soundbites from Ewan McGregor.
