Pre-owned luxury cars are quite popular among buyers who want to get more value for the money they spend. Besides avoiding depreciation that takes place in the original value of new cars, the large selection of used cars is another reason making pre owned cars a worthy purchase. However, finding and buying a pre-owned car is not as easy as it might seem. It is understandable to have some apprehensions and doubts regarding the condition of a used car; that is why it is crucial to put in some effort and time to carry out a careful research about the car before making an offer. Mentioned below are some very important things to check in pre-owned luxury cars.

•  Initial inspection

Personally visit to check the car you are planning to buy to look for any visible signs of damage. Almost every vehicle has some imperfections, which can be easily repaired. However, you should avoid buying a luxury car requiring repairs which can be extremely time consuming and expensive. You should take a close look at the vehicle and look beyond the surface. If you notice any major dents or poor paint job, then it might hint at a cheap repair or accident. Another thing to look for is the presence of rust on the body, frame and underbody. Applying a fresh coat of paint to mask rust is a common trick used by sellers, which an experienced mechanic can help you find out. After inspecting the exterior, check the interior. The odometer and speedometer should work well and report correct measurements. The tires should be analyzed diligently to check the level of wear and tear, as unevenly worn out tires mean that the suspension or wheels are out of alignment.

•  Condition of the engine

The next highly crucial thing to look at in pre-owned luxury cars is the condition of the engine. Look under the hood and if you see a dirty engine then it might signal at lack of maintenance. Similarly, presence of stripped or rounded nuts and bolts could indicate poor repair work. If the spark plugs appear newer than the other engine parts, then it is a good sign because it means that the previous owner has ensured regular tune up and maintenance of the car. Now, turn the key and notice the time it takes to start the car or any unusual noises coming out of the engine. Also look for smoke coming out of the exhaust, which might point towards internal problems requiring complete engine overhaul.

•  Test drive

The final and equally important thing is to take the car for a drive, as this way you can come to know a lot about the vehicle, such as transmission, brakes and alignment. Once you are behind the steering, keenly observe the controls and performance of the car and pay special attention to any clunks and groans, as such noises can indicate several underlying issues which, although repairable, can consume a lot of your money and time.

Does the wiper, lights, air conditioner and sound system work properly? Especially notice any drop in the performance of the engine when the air conditioner is turned on. Now check the transmission, as there should not be any louder or clunking noises when switching gears in a car that has automatic transmission. Similarly, the gears should smoothly shift in manual transmission and any grinding sound could point towards bad synchronization. The next thing to look at is the alignment and it can be tested by taking your hands off the steering wheel while driving and noticing if the car gets pulled in any direction. Properly functioning brakes are crucial to enjoy a safe ride, so be aware if the car gets pulled into a side or shudders when you hit the brakes. This might be because of the lack of hydraulic fluid or the brakes could be loose. When you apply the brakes, the pedal should feel firm and if it does not, then the master cylinder might need to be replaced.

Besides the things listed above, it is suggested to ask for the repair history of the car, whether you are buying it directly from the owner or through a dealership. Going through the report can shed light on a lot of things about the damages and repairs a car has received and thus save you from making a regretful decision.

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Hilary was in dire straits! She needed to visit her ailing daughter in a foreign country and was in urgent need of a cash loan. She had applied for a personal loan, but the bank was taking far too long to process it and so far, they were not even certain that it would be approved. Besides cash, if there was something else, that Hilary was really short of right now, it was time! In a quandary and unable to find a way out, she sought out her neighbor’s opinion.

“What do you see on that highway?” Mr. Hopkins, her neighbor, asked her when she went to him. “I see cars and other vehicles driving by!” she replied, wondering what it had to do with her problem. “Well, Hilary, when I look that way, all I see is ‘cash’ driving by on that highway!” he told her smiling. Being the owner of a company, that gave out cash loans against car titles, Mr. Hopkins, couldn’t be more right! Fortunately, for Hilary, her newly purchased car came in use, when she needed it the most. Not only did she get the loan amount she required in cash against it, but also got it within the same day!

Car Title Loans-Simply Explained

If you are wondering, what a car title cash loan is, ‘Investopedia’ defines it in the following words- “A short-term loan in which the borrower’s car title is used as collateral. The borrower must be the lien holder (i.e. own the car outright). Loans are usually for less than 30 days. If the loan is not repaid, the lender can take ownership of the car and sell it to recoup the loan amount. ” So, to avail a cash loan against your car, you are required to possess a clear car title. As long as you have the necessary documents to prove, that you are the sole legal owner of your car, you become eligible to get a quick cash loan, against your car title.

Why Do People Opt For Cash Loans against Car Titles

There are a number of reasons why an individual requiring quick cash, would opt for a car title loan. While the primary one of course, is that he/she does not have any other source of getting the dough he/she needs, which may be due to not having a credit card or a bank loan or adequate savings; there are plenty of other reasons too! The process involved in getting a cash loan against a car title, is extremely simple. All that a customer needs to do is, fill in an application form, submit the necessary documents, have his/her car evaluated and get the necessary cash in hand! The application form for a quick cash car title loan can be filled out online or at the office of the car title loan providing company. The documents required, usually include a photo identity proof, a residence proof, a proof of income and a clear title of your vehicle.

How Do Car Title Loans Get Processed So Quickly

Getting cash against your car title is usually not a time taking process. It involves driving down your car to the title loan company office, having its financial value assessed, your documents verified, and your loan amount, will be approved within a day or two. Some companies also offer to process cash title loans within hours or even less! The reason why car title loans can be processed this quickly, is because, these do not require any credit checks to be performed. This means that, even if an individual has an unfavorable credit history, he can still avail this quick and easy cash loan.

Eliminating credit checks, not only reduces the time taken to process the loan, but also leads to a high rate of approvals, unlike in the case of bank loans. However, the best part about a title loan is that after getting the required cash in your hand, you get to drive home with your car. The only thing that you are asked to leave behind is your car title documents. And, you can have them back too, when you pay back your title loan amount!

Precautions When Taking Title Loans

While a title cash loan comes quickly, easily and conveniently, it will work in your favor, only if you take certain precautions. Car title loans are secured loans, in which your car is the collateral. The risks involved in this loan transaction are that, if by any chance you are unable to pay your loan amount, you will lose your car! And, sadly, the financial worth of your car will obviously be more than the loan amount you borrowed. Moreover, you need to pay attention to the interest being charged by title loan companies; so that you know exactly how much your short term and long term payments will amount to. The best approach to handling car title loans however is paying them off as quickly, as possible!

This article was written by Melinda. Edwards. Filw, a financial writer, who believes, that availing a cash loan against your car, is advisable if you need cash fast.

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A ‘car dash camera,’ also called ‘dash cam,’ is a camera that records video footage, from the dashboard of a car, on which it is mounted.  “Dash cams are widespread in Russia as a form of surveillance, additional evidence in court, and as a guard against police corruption and insurance fraud,” informs Wikipedia. The popularity of car dash cameras, is however not restricted to Russia alone. More and more people around the world are discovering multifarious ways of putting these to use.  Whether you find the car crash videos, seen on television or available on the internet, frightening or fascinating…the one thing to learn from them, is to invest in ‘car dash camera’ yourself!

A Car Dash Camera Helps Tell Tells Your Side of the Story

Ask anyone who did not have a ‘car dash camera,’ when their car crashed or when they were accused of causing an accident; and they will tell you –they wish, they had one at the time! For many who foresee the dangers that come with driving a car, a ‘dash camera,’ is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity. “Dash-cams are popular in Poland, Japan and the US but have yet to catch on in the UK. They are ubiquitous in Russia with drivers using them to guard against police corruption and insurance fraud,” reports The Independent.

“Some of the dashcams on the market are just a couple of inches long and can be powered by batteries or car lighter sockets. They record high-quality digital footage of the road ahead, even at night, and important clips can be saved on to memory cards before being transferred to computers,” informs Martin Beckford, in the Daily Mail about ‘car dash camera’ varieties available today.

In the UK, “Cycle helmet cameras have been popular for years…Cyclists regularly post footage online following clashes with drivers and the clips are often used as a basis for police complaints,” ‘The Independent’ states. However, now the “Sales of “dash-cams” in cars are soaring as owners record evidence of clashes and crashes with cyclists and other road users …the growth of dash-cams is predicted to herald a new trend of car drivers uploading footage of bad cycling,” it notes.

A Car Dash Camera Protects You from Fraudulent Insurance Scams

Getting caught up in a situation, where you are unjustly accused of being on the wrong side of the law, while driving your car, is not a rarity anymore. In fact, it would be wise, to beware of gangs that make it their business – to stage accidents, only so that they can make false insurance claims. In the same report, ‘The Independent’ observes how, a growing tribe of car owners are buying ‘car dash cameras’ to protect themselves against such elements.

Known as the “flash for crash” craze – drivers interested in making fake insurance claims, first  flash an oncoming car to allow it out at a junction, and then, much to the car driver’s horror drive right into it! It quotes Alec James – Halfords in-car technology manager, as saying:”Following an incident people are often reluctant to admit guilt and risk losing their no-claims discount. In addition, the surge in fraudulent ‘crash for cash’ claims is causing genuine concern among innocent drivers….”

In this regard, Ian Crowder, an insurance specialist believes that, a car dash camera can provide ‘excellent protection’ against crash-for-cash scams,’ states the Daily Mail. “They can be very helpful in the event of an accident to work out who was involved and who was to blame. Footage could be useful to support an insurance claim. The insurance industry would consider them to be a good thing…they could also be used by drivers to show they were not lane-hogging or tailgating…” he tells the newspaper.

A Car Dash Camera Arms You with Evidence
If you believe in the saying, that ‘Prevention is better than cure!’ fitting a ‘car dash camera’ in your vehicle, should be a priority for you! In any eventuality involving your car, should you fail to produce evidence that supports your innocence, you may have to pay a heavy price! Whether in front of scamsters, cops, lawyers or insurance companies, you need something conclusive to tell your side of the story.  A car dash camera provides you with just the evidence that is also admissible in court!

This article was written by Tim Blake, a legal writer, who believes that a car dash camera can help tell your side of the story, in any eventuality involving your car.

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Have you considered opening a car auction business? Do you have any experience in this field or have you ever worked in any car dealership store? If most of the answers are in no, then you definitely need to attend trial auctions as you cannot expect to start a business about which you don’t have the slightest experience. Nowadays, many people are opting for this business, as it is supposed to bring in much profit in a less amount of time. It is necessary that you have the passion for cars; otherwise it would be quite difficult for you to have a foothold in this business.

Requisites

It is necessary that you have some knowledge about cars. Make sure that you employ people who have a sound knowledge in this field, for example experienced car mechanics. Most of the times, owners make the mistake of buying cars without accompanying their best car mechanic supervisor. If you are new to the business, the car sellers will definitely hook you up with cars that are either too old to drive or have some sort of internal damage.

Building a Strong Relationship with Clients  

Hiring Professionals

It is necessary that you check the resume well before hiring salesman for your business. Try to hire professionals who have an experience in this field. One or two experienced sales man is far better than hiring a bunch of fresher people. However, you can employ college students on part time basis. The main reason behind hiring them is that they are always full of life and can instigate energy in your work place. It is also necessary that you train these young people to help your business in the coming days.

It is necessary to Hire Professional Car Mechanics

Planning

It is very necessary that you plan your business before hand. There are many websites, where you will be able to find a number business plans for your business. Many people have smelled the scent of success by following the business plan minutely. Business plans help you to analyze the costs of establishing and how you can make profit within the first year of establishment.

It is very necessary that you buy the cars from reliable sources. It is not good to regret after buying a lot of cars from a forger. Always remember that you can achieve prosper in your business by making your client and customers happy. A happy customer will automatically spread a good word about your business. Therefore, it is quite necessary that you reward them with special gift coupons once in a while for their loyal support.

Conclusion

It is necessary that every business official conduct events and social parties before establishing a business in the locality. Try to connect with the people from the very first day. You can also provide your clients with 30 day car warranty periods for used vehicles. It is best to take tips from experienced professionals in the business for running the business in profit. Try to build your ownership qualities from the very first day. We hope that the article seems of any help to you.

Alex Mathew is a proficient author writing articles on auction of second hand cars and other similar topics. He contributes regularly for second hand car dealers.

Summary: Car auction business is tricky and needs dire determination for perfect administration. Hiring an experienced sales team is very essential to run it flawlessly.

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We all know the basics to keeping our car running such as checking oil levels, tire pressure and driving carefully. However, there are some things that aren’t checked during car servicing. If you really want to look after your car and pay very close attention to the small details, follow these somewhat unknown tips.

Break-in

Speed

Much like a new shoe, cars need to be broken-in. During this break-in period, it’s important not to speed excessively; generally speaking 88kph (kilometres per hour) is the limit. However the car’s manufacturer may have a different guideline for you to follow, so stick to that. Usually this speed limit only applies for the first 1,600km.

Acceleration

In the early stages of your car’s life, only use medium acceleration, preferably keeping below 3,000rpm. This can prolong the life of your engine and even eliminate the need to bring your car to a pre-nct testing centre, as you will be sure to pass with flying colours.

Fuel

Usually the only thing people need to remember about fuel is whether their car takes petrol or diesel. However, here are a couple of good tips regarding fuel.

Petrol Stations

Only go to well known petrol stations such as Maxol, Texaco etc. as smaller, independent petrol stations may not treat their fuel properly, thus causing damage to your car. Smaller stations may not have pump filters to get rid of dirt, or they may even water down the petrol to get more out of it.

The Tanker

If there is a fuel tanker filling up the petrol tanks, your best bet is to go elsewhere. You may think ‘Oh, but surely that fuel will be freshest?’ That is true; however when filling the tanks, dirt and sediment can be stirred up from the bottom and can damage your car. Wait a day for it to settle down before going back. Even this can lessen the need for a car servicing and inevitably save you some money.

Keys

A little known fact is that a hanging your car key on a heavy keychain does your ignition no good. As you drive along, with those dozens of keys bouncing and applying weight and pressure to your ignition, it can eventually lead to ignition switch failure.

Interior

Protect the interior of your car from sunlight by investing in shades for your car. Not only do these prevent fading of your seats and dashboard, but they also help to keep your car cool when parked in the sun.

Weather-stripping

Make sure that the weather-stripping along your windows and doors is tightly sealed and not allowing any rain to get in. Loose weather-stripping can cause dampness and mould and, let’s face it, who wants to deal with that? The simple solution is to replace any worn or torn weather-stripping, available from any motor shops in a large variety so you’re sure to find some that matches the original.

Treat Scrapes

If your car scraped or scratched, be sure to treat these immediately, as giving it time will allow rust to form.

If you follow these top tips, even a car servicing garage will be impressed and may even ask you for advice!

Written by Alex Girardi, who recommends Atlas Tyres and Auto Centres for cheap car servicing.

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Many parents actually fear having to teach their teen to drive. That said teens can often start bugging their parents to teach them how to drive once they become 18. So, parents now have a rather difficult decision to make i.e. should they teach their kid how to drive or send them to a driving instructor. If you have taught people how to drive before then you should be able to teach your own kid how to drive. But if this is not the case then it is best to enroll your kid into a driving school. This is especially if you live in a densely populated area where there is no way for you to teach your kid the basics of driving prior to taking them on the road.

The pros of being taught by a parent

Probably the biggest benefit of teaching your own kid how to drive is it’s free. There are some professional driving schools that can be very expensive. This is why teaching your kids how to drive will save you money but it will take up a lot of your time.

Cons

• You will need to take the time out every day perhaps around the same time to teach him or her how to drive.
• The other con is the fact that as a driver for years many parents have picked up on bad driving habits. These habits have become second nature to them but it will be passed on to their kids. Parents often don’t remember the intricacies of the various driving rules. This may lead to the kid failing his first few tests
• Teaching a teen how to drive is also stress and there will be arguments too. If your teen loses his or her temper easily and argues it is best that they be sent to a driving institute.

The pros of a driving school

• Probably the biggest benefit of choosing a professional school is that you can be assured that your teen will learn how to drive safely. Instructors are familiar with all the latest laws, rules and regulations and so your teen will learn exactly what they should in order to keep themselves safe on the road.
• There are a number of insurance companies that may offer discounts to students who have learnt how to drive from a driving institution. Some of these insurance discounts can be as high as 15% off their regular premium. So the investment of sending your teen to a good driving school can help to save you quite a bit of money in the long term.

Cons

• Probably the biggest drawback of a driving institution is the expense of the classes. There are some schools that will charge as much as $50 an hour. You also need to factor in the expenses of traditional driver’s education classes. So when you add all these expenses up the cost of choosing a professional school can easily be a few hundred dollars.
• The other con is the fact that schedules for good schools fill up quite quickly. This means that teens often have to wait for days if not weeks for a driving lesson. This can translate to less time behind the wheel of a vehicle. That said driving is best learnt via firsthand experience but many classes offer relatively less driving time. This will then have to be made up with a few lessons at home. However, there are institutions in Australia that offer more time behind a wheel post hours behind a simulator.

Before you enroll your kid into a driving institution make sure to first check the schools credentials. Also, find out how much time your child will be getting behind the wheel. If all sounds good only then should you pay the initial signup fee.

Avi is a professional driving instructor, car enthusiast and works for www.aasprint.com.au. He loves long drives on lonely loads.

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Pass your driving test the first time and become a safer driving by following our top tips for success.

Every learner driver would love to pass their driving test first time, but unfortunately not everyone does. Although the latest statistics from the Driving Standards Agency reveal that 50% of men and 42% of women pass on their first attempt, it still means that a high number of young would-be drivers are walking home disappointed.

It’s worth remembering that passing your test doesn’t automatically make you a great driver. Statistics show that a fifth of new drivers are involved in a crash within six months of passing.

So how can you pass your test first time, while cementing your status as a safe driver? By following these top tips, of course. Even if you didn’t pass your test first time, these tips will help you to understand where you might be going wrong: and are sure to help you to take on whatever obstacles the road ahead might pose.

Don’t be overconfident. Being cocky results in poor risk assessment, and you could end up causing an accident. Your instructor’s not likely to be happy when you bring the test car back in dire need of windscreen repair or a new paint-job.

Do be relaxed. Practicing relaxation techniques will help you to calmly take in your surroundings and react safely. It’s also a good way to stave off tense muscles during the test itself; there’s nothing worse than failing a manoeuvre because your leg just won’t stop shaking.

Don’t pick up tips from other drivers. People who already have their licenses often acquire bad habits on the road, like driving one handed or not indicating on roundabouts. These unsafe attitudes might cause accidents, and will definitely land you with a big fat fail.

Do be an active passenger. When you’re in the car with friends and family members who already have their licenses, pay attention to the road and think about what you would do in their situation. Keep your thoughts to yourself, though: nobody likes being told off by a newbie.

Don’t put pressure on yourself. It’s a wise idea to tell as few people as possible that you’re taking the test. It’s not about superstition; it’s about avoiding excess stress. On the day of your test you’re already going to be feeling nervous, and knowing that your entire social circle is waiting to hear the result can easily push you over the edge. Being panicked can also cause accidents, as it makes it difficult to think critically. The date of your test should be on a strictly “need to know” basis.

Do practice as much as possible. If you can’t schedule in extra lessons with your instructor, beg a friend or family member to take you out in a dual control car. Make sure they have a full license and are over 21. Take a lazy drive out into the countryside or practice some test routes. Even if it’s an aimless drive, you’ll still come face to face with interesting scenarios that might have flummoxed you in your test.

Don’t Take your friends advice as gospel. If they take you out driving you can ask them for help, but remember to check if they’re right by asking your instructor the next time you have a lesson. As mentioned before, seasoned drivers often have unconventional ideas about what is safe and what isn’t. Your best mate might think it’s okay to bump up on the kerb during a turn in the road, but you know better.

Good luck!

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Just like it goes with shopping, in most cases the lowest cost may not necessarily be the best value for money. While most of us want to save some money when looking for special services, you want to go beyond cost when trying to hire a limousine in Brisbane. Depending on cost alone could let you end up with a bad service and, as such, you need to know what factors to consider when making such an important decision.

Sign an Agreement

Don’t be fooled by the friendliness or otherwise of the people you are dealing with, your safety is always in having a signed agreement for the deal you have entered into. Such an agreement will be specific regarding every detail including the type of vehicle, the value, the timings and every other important detail. Always make sure you understand everything that is written and if not, it’s your right to seek a clear explanation.

Check the Limo Physically

You must see the limousine you are paying for physically before you make a commitment. There are limousine companies in Brisbane that will show you a photographic inventory of the latest limos on their brochures and internet sites but in real sense they don’t own such vehicles. You don’t want to find yourself in a dilapidated ramshackle when you thought you were paying for some classic vehicle to make an impression.

Verify the Pricing Details

When you receive a quote from a company for their limo, make sure they are clear what the price they gave you actually includes. You don’t take it for granted that the price includes other charges such as service costs, parking fees, fuel surcharge, tolls, and driver gratuity among others. You want to be sure about what your total expenditure will be lest you get surprises at the end of the day.

Check their Track Record

Just before you append your signature on that contract; it will be prudent for you to check their track record. It is always important for you to know how long the company has been in business and what former customers have to say about their services. You can easily get this information by reading the review section of their websites or better still, check their ranking at the local Chamber of Commerce website.

Verify Chauffer Selection Method

The quality of your trip using a limousine in Brisbane will directly depend on the quality of the chauffer you get. You want to be sure that this company screens their chauffeurs and that all of them are certified since your safety also depends on this individual.

The article is written by Mohit Jain who writes for Brisbane Executive Limousine. The company is based in Brisbane, Australia and provides the finest executive limo hire in Brisbane.

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These days many people are looking to replace their older cars with new ones. That being said, with so many options how do you know which car is best for you?  Doing research can really help you in the long run. Volkswagen has established quite a reputation over the years so let’s look at how they stack up.

Volkswagen Beetle

Undoubtedly the most famous Volkswagen and one of the most iconic cars ever is the Beetle. It even has its own movie in the series Herbie. The Beetle ranks #13 in affordable subcompact cars.  The Beetle offers up three engines with four transmissions and all of them function well.  The turbocharged version is particularly fun to drive. The cabin is spacious for its size and the interior is stylish. It also has an extremely high safety rating but very average reliability rating. It has standard features that include Bluetooth and ipod interface. Of particular note is the option to upgrade to a Fender stereo which sounds great.  The biggest complaint is the tight back seat and limited cargo space. As for fuel economy it earns 22/31mpg. While there is really nothing on streets quite like the Beetle if you want something in a similar class you should take a look at the Hyundai Veloster or Mazda3.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf ranks number 5 on our list of affordable small cars. The Golf has a stylish exterior and high, quality, spacious cabin. The base model is powered by a five-cylinder, 170hp engine that is powerful for its class and it is also available in a diesel which increases its fuel economy. It has excellent steering and strong brakes as well. However, the biggest complaint is that it is the most expensive car in its class. It also lack some interior storage features and the base model has low fuel economy. It does have a superb safety rating but only average reliability. Both the two and four door models have comfortable front and rear seats.  The base model gets 23/33 mpg. If you don’t like the Golf but want something similar then you might consider a MINI Cooper or Ford Focus.

Volkswagen Passat

The Passat is another well know Volkswagen and it ranks number 10 on our list of affordable midsize cars. The biggest strength of the Passat is its excellent driving experience. If a shopper is looking for a performance oriented midsize car then the Passat is a great option. It has nimble handling and a fun, engaging drive. It also has a wide selection of powertrains that range from a five-cylinder to a V6 to a four-cylinder turbodiesel that increases fuel economy. The interior is stylish and crafted in upscale materials. Standard features include Bluetooth and an auxiliary audio input while upgrades include sunroof, navigation, rearview camera, satellite radio and push-button start. It also has top of the line safety ratings but only average reliability. The other complaints are the slow-responding navigation system and its higher price than competitors. The base engine gets 22/32 mpg.  More affordable cars similar to the Passat include the Kia Optima or the venerable Toyota Camry or a Ford Fusion from a dealer such as http://www.5starford.com.

Aiden Jefferson lives and writes in Southern California. He primarily writes about education and automobiles.

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BMW is no stranger to electric car design, having created the all-electric BMW i3 about a month ago. Still designers are constantly striving to improve their products and BMW is no different in this regard. Revealing a more luxurious and sporty BMW i8 at an estimated one hundred and ten thousand dollars per vehicle. Making the BMW i8 a full-fledged luxury vehicle, both in design and price tag. The question on most people’s minds? How does it perform?

Under The Hood

Unlike BMW’s previous attempt with the BMW i3, the BMW i8 will come packing an internal combustion engine (ICE) and listing itself as a fully-fledged hybrid and not solely electric. The engine in question will be a 1.5 liter three cylinder engine packing two hundred and twenty three horsepower. Alongside the ICE engine will be a one hundred and seventy horsepower electric motor. Collectively these engines should be sufficiently able to power the vehicle to a top speed of one hundred and fifty five miles per hour. Its zero to sixty time will be quite good for a hybrid vehicle, coming in at under five seconds.

Does the Market Want it?

For some these numbers are shocking for a hybrid vehicle, and for others it’s indicative of what they were predicting years back. Regardless of which side of the debate you were on the current products clearly represent a steady evolution of hybrid and electric technologies. Equally important to note is the clear change in design language. With this iteration of hybrid vehicle BMW has gone with a sportier, exotic look that would typically be found in gas guzzling super cars. This signals a departure from past tradition in which car companies were designing hybrid vehicles that appealed to typical family values.

Constantly marketing things such as gas savings, comfortable seating, and advanced infotainment systems has become stale. The market has become saturated with family sedans promising all of those things and it needed to be spiced up. Clearly BMW sees value in creating a super hybrid segment in the automotive sector and it’s a sentiment shared by many others within the industry. Up and coming automakers like Tesla Motors are vying fiercely to be the top name in an increasingly competitive field. The question comes down to whether or not BMW’s attempt is enough to sway would be buyers into taking the plunge. Its technological specifications are impressive when compared to tame hybrid vehicles yet at this point in time it doesn’t hold a candle to Tesla Motors Model S luxury hybrid. Still brand recognition can be much more persuasive than actually performance giving BMW a slight head up in expected sales. Yet those sales are expected to be miniscule as hybrid vehicles with price ranges upwards of one hundred thousand dollars are not an often sought after commodity.

Conclusion

If BMW can keep pushing costs down while ramping up the technological features within its hybrid and electric vehicles it one day stands a chance at converting many prospective car buyers. Yet for that to happen, the rate at which breakthroughs in battery technology occur would have to dramatically speed up. Eventually governments the world over will begin seriously investing in electric vehicles and electric motors. For now you might as well just get used to filling up at the pump and falling victim to the prices of crude oil every single day.

Today’s guest post was written by Eduardo Dieguez, creative writer for My Port Canaveral Transportation. When he isn’t blogging, Eduardo enjoys watching sports such as Basketball and Tennis.

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