Test Drives - Car Blog

Electric Cars

Electricity powered cars seem to be gaining ground each passing day. These vehicles appear to have floored the gas powered cars. The major factor behind these recent developments is that they are noise free and do not cause any form of pollution. Nowadays, news is all over about these types of cars. One of the most popular electric models now is Tesla Model S.

An electric car solely relies on electricity in order to operate. Whereas a gas powered car is installed with an internal combustion, this one is fitted with electric motors and controllers. The features of electric vehicles are much better than those of gas. The only weakness of these electric cars is their delivery of power, a challenge that is being worked on at the moment.

Recent studies reveal that most people prefer electric cars to gas cars. This is primarily due to the ease with which the owners are able to power their cars. These cars are being recharged from the plugs in sockets at home. This aspect is economical in terms of cost with comparison to cars that use gas. Charging stations are equally mushrooming almost everywhere. This is an indicator that electric cars are being embraced hence many users will comfortably take them on the road.

Electric cars do not emit pollutants as their main source of power is electricity. This means that they are eco-friendly. They only get power from batteries hence do not require combustion of gases. Individuals who have a soft spot for the environment find these electric cars a must-have asset. Besides, these vehicles conserve energy in a very efficient manner. When one breaks, electricity is produced and then stored in the batteries. Electric vehicles can also derive power from solar panels thus reducing the usage of electricity.

The negative side of these cars is that they are quite expensive and batteries have to be replaced every 3 years. But with technological innovativeness, such drawbacks will be a story of the past.

Tesla Just Launched a Vegan Version of the Model X

Are you trying to be more socially conscious? Are you interested in vegan friendly products? Well, Tesla is trying to promote an all vegan version of the Model X, so we figured that we’d tell you all about it.

A lot of top notch cars offer all leather interiors, but very few are offering synthetic interiors that are designed to address the tastes of vegan car owners. Obviously, a vehicle has its own share of issues but Tesla has worked tirelessly on improving the details, increasing the environmental viability dramatically.

Zero emission powertrains help take the pressure off the planet, still allowing us to make it to work on time without tearing the environment apart. The first color offered is “Ultra White”, and it’s an option for the Model X.

If you have been on the fence about investing in Tesla’s vehicles, you might want to check out the Model X. It’s a crossover that’s fully electric, with a driving range of over 250 miles. Seven adults can fit in this vehicle, making it not only efficient but very spacious. The Model X can go from 0-60 mph in roughly 3.2 seconds. Continue reading →

10 things to know about the new Renault Kadjar

Renault revealed its new C-segment crossover earlier this year in Paris. It’s called Renault KADJAR, and it looks absolutely fabulous. For a Renault, that is. It’s mission is to compete with his sibling, the Nissan Qashqai, for supremacy in a segment that brings up to 30% of sales in China and is larger and larger in Europe.

1. It has 4×4, 4×2 and Extended Grip, that will allow it to reach difficult terrain, even if the car is not prepared for hard off-road.

2. It’s 4.45 m long, 1.84 m wide and 1.6 m tall – a compact crossover, larger than the Renault Captur but smaller than the Koleos.

3. It’s geared towards the young living an active lifestyle, with plenty of boot space for its segment (472 litres) and interior modularity at its best (the front passenger’s seat can be transformed into a table, and the rear bench can fold 1/3-2/3.

4. It’s also geared towards the asphalt road, with up to 19 inches wheels, but its 190 mm road clearance means that it can also attack some country roads (18 degrees attack angle, 25 degrees rear angle).

5. It’s spacious enough for 4 adults and a child, that means a family will have no problem using it as a family car.

6. It has a modern interior, with Renault’s R-Link 2 multimedia system and connectivity providing high-tech entertainment and mobile apps designed to help the driver on the road. Continue reading →

Getting a Car Loan with Damaged Credit

As anyone who has dealt with damaged credit knows, a low score can lead to a long list of obstacles when making financial decisions. Finding cars for sale with a less than stellar credit score can be a difficult process, but it’s certainly not impossible. Follow a few of these tips to find and secure your auto loan.

Know Your Credit Score

Before you begin your search for a loan, get the facts. Find out exactly what your credit score is and what that means for your potential to get a loan. There are several companies that will provide you with your credit score at no cost. Go into the process with realistic expectations to avoid being surprised or quickly let down if you’re met with obstacles. This will help you to go into the situation with confidence, showing lenders that you are well prepared.

Keep Your Options Open

You may find that the first place you visit in hopes of finding a loan won’t work out. Don’t let this setback be the end of your search. There are many places to look for a loan and you may be surprised by how many options you’ll have to choose from. Keep in mind that some lenders will be more willing to work with you than others. It’s a matter of doing some research and taking the time to find the right lender for you and your situation.

Look Close to Home

As you begin your search, start with the places that you know well. Go to the bank where you already have an account. Check with your credit union. For an example, when searching for cars for sale in Newcastle, look for the lenders in the area. These lenders may be more willing to work with you if they know you. Others may have a relationship with local car dealers and will know how to best make a loan work for you. Continue reading →

The 5 Most Expensive Cars To Insure

Car insurance is a necessary expense for those of us who drive. What a statement. You are probably thinking, wow, what an obvious thing to say. Cars tend to be a never ending burden on our wallets. From the monthly payments, gas and maintenance, to the dreaded car insurance.

However, for those of us that consider our cars prized possessions, it can really get expensive when we start talking about adding family members, insuring multiple cars, drivers under the age of 21 or 25 but we can really start talking about big bucks, when we involve the type of car we are insuring and trust me, that flashy sports car is really going to cost you.

The Countdown

Now the average American driver isn’t out cruising around in a Lamborghini or Ferrari, but for those lucky few it doesn’t come cheap. Using national averages, we have conjured a list of the top five most expensive cars to insure in the US:

5. Mercedes G55 AMG costs an average of approximately $3000 a year to insure.

4. Porsche 911 Carerra S Coupe costs an average of approximately $3100 a year to insure.

3. Aston Martin DB9 costs an average of approximately $3200 a year to insure.

2. BMW 750Li costs an average of approximately $3300 a year to insure.

And last but certainly not least our number one spot of most expensive car to insure in the United States is:

1. Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG costing an average of approximately $3600 a year to insure.

Now the average cost to insure any of the vehicles above, assumes the insurance covers an individual, experienced driver with a fantastic record. Imagine the cost if you add your 18 year old son to the insurance plan! Continue reading →