Ferrari 458 Italia – Beauty in Red

August 20th, 2010

Some cars just naturally stand out more than others and the Ferrari 458 Italia is certainly one of them. I bet if one hundred people were to be asked to design their ideal car, the 458 would more than likely epitomise what was desired. Launched in the year 2009, the Ferrari 458 is unlike any other used Ferrari of the past. It houses an eight cylinder rear mounted engine and is very much a super sports car. A definite high performance unit, the new and used Ferrari 458 is a very traditional Ferrari design and its performance is equally as impressive. With its V8 engine in place the car provides 4,499 cc and is able to reach a maximum of 9,000 rpm, which is rather unique for a road vehicle. Its compression ratio 12.5:1 and this contributes to a power output of 127 CV / litre. With these statistics in mind it is clear to see that the 458 has been designed with the racetrack in mind – even though it is indeed a road car. Some noteworthy specifications that some may find useful are the following; length = 178.2 inches, width = 76.3 inches, height = 47.8 inches, wheelbase = 104.3 inches, and the weight to power ratio is 7.16 lbs / KW. As noted above, this is a car that is not like any other used Ferrari of the past and is very much out on its own in terms of road performance, specifications and driving experience. To those lucky enough to have the funds available for purchasing a Ferrari car – the 458 makes for a very good choice.

Dodge Viper – A True and Inspiring Legend of the Industry

August 20th, 2010

Some cars have to achieve a certain status before they can be formally recognised as being legends of the automotive industry, whereas others are just born legends. One such vehicle is the used Dodge Viper that is now one of the most universally recognised and popular auto’s in the history of cars. It is a sports car that has been talked about between the generations and fortunately, Dodge has managed to provide consumers with new variations of the vehicle for a long period of time. The new and used Dodge Viper is part of the Dodge section of Chrysler and is powered by a massive V10 engine. The latest version of the vehicle, which is the 2008 model, has been improved in many different areas and is able to achieve the following statistics; a top speed of 202 mph, 0 to 60 mph acceleration rate of 3.5 seconds and 0 to 100 mph acceleration rate of 7.6 seconds. The latest model also provides 600 BHP from its 8.4 litre engine as well as 560 lb-ft at 5,100 rpm. It is because of statistics like these that the Viper has been used in many movies, TV programmes and music videos; as well has having carious computer console games vying for its marketing rights. So it is quite easy to see just why the old used Dodge Viper of the past and the newer versions of the car have become so sought after and popular all over the world.

Chrysler Crossfire – Rear Wheel Driving at its Best

August 20th, 2010

From the years 2004 to 2007 the Chrysler Crossfire was one of the most talked about Coupe and Roadster cars in the industry. Small, compact but packing a mean punch, the Crossfire was Chrysler’s main vehicle in their range, which for UK consumers, was also a main attraction. Built by Karmann of Germany, the used Chrysler Crossfire first came into being in the year 2001 but it was actually only a concept unit at this time. It remained this way until the years 2003 when, after all refinements had been completed, it went into production. It was the actual design of the vehicle that was responsible for the car being given its name as the Crossfire relates to the two lines, which go from the front of the vehicle to the rear, and these effectively “crossover” each other down the middle. What is clear is that the Crossfire was a remarkable machine that captured the imagination of many fans and buyers alike. Its speed of acceleration (0 to 60 mph) was achieved in 4.8 seconds by the SRT-6 model and the same unit could attain a top speed of up to 193 miles per hour! This amazing top speed could actually only be achieved, however, once the limiter was removed. So under normal circumstances the used Chrysler SRT-6, which housed a 3.2 litre Supercharged V6 engine, had a top speed of 155 mph. Still though, this was a mighty impressive statistic and is one of the main reasons for the popularity that the vehicle gained during its time.

The Volkswagen Scirocco – Fresh and New

August 9th, 2010

Volkswagen promote the release of the new shape / style Scirocco as being the “return of an icon”, which is probably the most accurate descriptive that could be used. Having seen a number of different colours and trims of the Scirocco in the flesh, I can certainly vouch for it being a real stunner in the looks department as it carries with it a design that is just no unique. Volkswagen say that the new Scirocco is their most advanced Coupe yet when talking about the technology that the car possesses and this is one of the main reasons for the vehicle achieving the 2008 Top Gear Car of the Year award. Read the rest of this entry »

Vauxhall ‘ecoFLEX’ Models – What they are and Why

August 9th, 2010

So often now we hear via newsfeeds and associated press about how the main car manufacturers are being put under pressure to produce more eco-friendly vehicles. And so after years of Co2 abuse from older engines, it seems that this is a welcomed situation for the environment. One of the leaders in this area is Vauxhall who have now introduced their ‘ecoFLEX’ range of cars, which specifically combats the release of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Read the rest of this entry »

Jaguar’s XJ220 – Perhaps the Most Stylist Jag Produced

June 7th, 2010

For some reason, when I was growing up, it wasn’t the Porsche 911 or the Ferrari Testarossa that I recognised as my ultimate car. Instead it was the popular, but not overly discussed, Jaguar XJ220. What struck me straight away was that this was a car that stood out from the rest and looked very indifferent to the other new and used Jaguar cars that were in circulation throughout the country. Constructed in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, the XJ220 was marketing as a Jaguar between the years 1992 and 1994. At the time of its release it was recognised as being the fastest road car, which seen it reach a maximum speed of 217mph. It was this achievement and the overall style of the car that, for me, was the main attraction. Also, reading an article in a local newspaper upon its release, it stated that should the vehicle breakdown anywhere in Europe, a private helicopter would be sent to arrange pickup! Now this was something very much out of the ordinary and could well have been another reason as to why the used Jaguar XJ220 was my ultimate automotive desire growing up. Jaguar has long been recognised as the provider of a certain type of car and so the production of the XJ220 very much went against the grain as it reached out to a very different type of audience in the sports cars market. Many years on, it would be the XF model that would become the model that rejuvenated the Jag brand, but many believe that it was the XJ220, which was responsible for setting the foundations of a new direction. Naturally this vehicle is no longer being produced and so the only option is to purchase a used Jaguar XJ220 from a private seller. Good luck in finding one though as they are a very hard to come by and will cost more than a pretty penny!

The Dodge Challenger – An Appealing Sports Car

June 7th, 2010

Appealing in every sense, the Dodge Challenger is a sports car that looks as though it has just passed a vigorous gym regime and come out looking like it should enter into a weightlifting competition; it is an absolute beast of a machine! What looks like a cross between a Ford Mustang and a Dodge Viper, the Challenger is very much out on its own in the looks department. If course we are now talking about the 2010 model, which means those that love a bargain in the used cars market will have to wait a little while longer because finding a used Dodge Challenger for sale is not going to be an easy task. With striking looks and an engine to match, this is one Dodge car that is really making people sit up and take notice. Renowned for manufacturing muscular and robust autos, Dodge has certainly excelled this time around and the Challenger is one car that everyone is talking about. So what about the inside of the car and its interior? Well to sum it up, the interior is as equally impressive as the hardcore exterior and drivers will feel as though they have stepped inside a spaceship, not a car! However, this is by no means a complicated interior; in fact it is far from it. All features are situated pleasantly along the main dashboard, which gives a sense of space throughout. It is the combination of the American-style outer shell and the eloquent interior that quite right separates the 2010 Dodge Challenger from the competition. It is, however, aimed more at the market in the US; but I get a sneaky feeling that there will be a few people here in Europe that will want to get a piece of the action at some point.

Chrysler’s Grand Voyager – Extended Luxury

June 7th, 2010

Luxury is something that many of us dream of in our ordinary lives, and so being able to transfer such dreams into the working mechanics of a car is very much a buyers’ desire. Well stop right there because there is no need to look any further as the Voyager from Chrysler delivers luxury in every aspect. Ok it is not a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, far from it, but it does provide its own levels of distinction in the luxury department. Ideal for families looking for a practical and fully equipped MPV, the Chrysler Grand Voyager is a definite candidate for a buyer whose primary concern is passengers. Many buyers have used Chrysler voyager cars to provide them with the tools to entertain other members of the vehicle; allowing the driver to concentrate on the road. With prices ranging from around £25,500 to £34,000, it is a new car purchase that could be out of reach for some families. Therefore, a used Chrysler Grand Voyager might be a more attractive option moving forward as the price suddenly becomes much more attainable. Like with the brand of Chevrolet, the Chrysler brand is one that more and more UK consumers are looking towards when considering the purchase of a new car. It seems that for these two car companies, they have managed to reach out and attract the UK and European audiences much more than what they once did. Of course, as we know, North America is probably the first point of call for such brands, but the UK is starting to take to the different designs and styles of cars from across the pond. As for Chrysler and the Grand Voyager, it looks as though it is going from strength to strength, which is a good sign for them and a good sign for us as car buyers.

Small and Compact – The Chevrolet Aveo

June 7th, 2010

The Chevrolet Aveo is not all that it seems. First of all it is actually a car manufactured by GM Daewoo, which is the South Korean subsidiary of General Motors; therefore, in effect, it is a Daewoo vehicle (try and keep up if you can!). Marketed as one of five different brands, the Chevrolet Aveo also has over ten different nameplates! New and used Chevrolet Aveo versions come in both 3 door and 5 door styles and offer a simple yet effective source of driving comfort. Whilst both are ideal for inner city driving, the 5 door hatchback version is naturally more effective for use as a family car. Both units are available at a fair price with some neat and tidy features included as standard. Stereo / CD player as well as ABS, electric windows and airbags are what drivers will benefit from inside their Aveo. Speed, however, is certainly not something that is on the agenda. The cars’ top speed is set at around 106 mph and its acceleration rate is roughly 12.8 seconds (0 to 60 mph). Therefore, in summary, a new or used Chevrolet Aveo (Daewoo) is not the type of vehicle that will force much of a competition on the motorway! It will, however, supply many hours of enjoyment and entertainment within the inner city and is just ideal for running simple errands such as the weekly shop! In the UK, the Chevrolet brand is one that is increasing its popularity among UK car buyers. For so long, the name was only associated with the US, but recent reports suggest that the new and used Chevrolet marketplaces are becoming part of the thought process for UK car enthusiasts. It is because of cars such as the Aveo that this is the case thanks to their simplicity and relatively cheap running costs.

Mini car

March 4th, 2010

Among those who used cars choose a used mini – those who are bored and minimization, they switched to big cars. What we will have to say? How will they assess their old and new habits? Certainly none of those who used mini will not be able to have us believe that having more cars is more profitable. And the question in principle not subject to discussion. Small car smokes less, so it is cheaper to maintain, and to practice in cities. Because they are used Mini cars before, will now have as such a comparison as to what costs are associated with this car. Precisely for this reason that the used mini now may be the more difficult. If you previously could easily keep the car and had no major problems with the financing, it would appear that the same will be with a larger car. However, it is not. Large car costs an average of two and even three times more than cars less adapted to move in big cities.