This was like a mini-van, in that it could almost hold an entire soccer team. Along with the regular SUV’s, these mega-sized SUV’s were getting on average 9-12 miles per gallon, but they were being compensated for the low gas mileage by increasing the size of the gas tank to 14 – 16 gallons.

Shortly after the millennium shift, gas began rising at a steady pace. Every time we went to the pump the price went up a few more cents. Everyone complained, but they kept buying the SUV’s for the “size and comfort”, but as soon as the prices hit $2:50/gal. and higher, SUV consumers began to doubt their vehicles worth. Even with the extra perks, with its wide space, the amount of money people began dumping into the tank was daunting. Now with the national average of gasoline at $4.24/gal, the cost to fill those 14 gallon tanks is a hard to swallow price, of at least $60.

With the reality of paying close to $100 to fill up a gas tank, the popularity of the SUV has dropped drastically. With these opinions and realizations taking hold, an investment in an SUV in today’s market is considered a waste of money, if not a ridiculous notion. To add to that, the federal government is saying that the price of gas will likely rise even more.

In response to these rising prices, the car companies are developing Hybrids and flex-fuel engines that get over 30 mpg for the same size of vehicle. The direction is to trade in low gas mileage vehicles for something a lot more fuel efficient. The only good news for current SUV owners is that these new vehicles still have a hefty price tag. The higher the gas prices, the more unhappy the general public and media will grow toward the SUV’s, which will in turn make its value sky rocket down. If those SUV owners don’t act now and try to sell their vehicles, they will end up having a vehicle whose value is based merely on the scrap metal that can be salvaged and recycled from its parts.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.

Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

If you are one of the many who are worried about whether or not you can still afford to drive your gas-guzzling SUV or larger sized vehicle, then now is the time to sell your vehicle. If you are considering selling your “tank”, as some would call it, in exchange for a more economical saver, than it is important to get the very best price possible. After all, as the price of gasoline continues to fluctuate, the value of your vehicle will continue to depreciate. You may find yourself upside down in a loan on one of these vehicles. You may find that nobody wants to buy something so large because of miles given per gallon.

A smart seller should first get all of their papers in order. If you can have documentation of the condition of your vehicle, as well as proof of what maintenance has been conducted, you will get a better price for your vehicle. You may consider purchasing a CARFAX report, which will show the history of the vehicle from the time it was first purchased, to even the very present. Another great selling strategy is to take your vehicle to a dealership and have it checked thoroughly. This service will be relatively inexpensive, considering the wealth of information that will be given to you in return.

As each day goes by, the value of these larger sized vehicles grows smaller and smaller. More people are selling off their SUV’s and V-8’s in exchange for small, economic gas savers. The longer you wait to sell your gas guzzler, the less likely it will be that someone will want to buy it at all. Let’s also not forget, that the longer you wait to sell your vehicle, the more it depreciates in value!

Nobody knows how the oil industry will pan out its prices this next year, but there is some certainty in the market for larger sized vehicles. Not too many people will be buying them, because of the uncertainty of the economy and the non-dependable gas prices. In anticipation of this decrease, some of the major car manufacturers such as GMC and Ford have already shut down some of their larger sized production factories where they have laid off thousands of employees. They know that what the future holds for their organization does not look promising. In the meantime, foreign car manufacturers such as Toyota and Hyundai are experiencing an increase in vehicle production as the demand for smaller vehicles continues to rise.

This Government has vowed to work with GM to bring them through these difficult times. But we can only wait and see.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.

Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

All across the country, car and truck dealers are feeling the new reality as their beautiful, fully-loaded sport utility vehicles collect dust in their lots. The old proverb of, “can’t even give them away,” seems especially fitting, as Americans are now neglecting the low mileage SUV’s, and turning to the hybrids and higher fuel efficiency models instead.

Car dealers have been stung by the SUV/RV inventory glut, so they don’t want any more vehicles that they can’t sell. So when people come in with these SUV’s to try and trade them in, they are getting low ball offers. This in-turn hurts sales for the new fuel efficient vehicles because many of these trade-ins would be buyers, but they can’t even afford to make the purchase without a decent trade-in value. Manufacturers have stepped up to the plate to try and increase sales of these hybrid cars with rebates and special offers, but not every model or every deal qualifies.

So if there’s no help at the local car dealer, what’s an SUV/RV owner supposed to do when they want to get rid of their vehicle? Many have turned to their local newspaper’s classified ads for relief. But, a quick scan of just about any newspaper’s classifieds quickly illustrates the abundance of SUV’s and RV’s currently on the market. The result of this, of course will further drive down the price. At this point, even low miles and excellent condition on a car seem to have little to do with what you can get out of an SUV. The resounding answer seems to be, that you’re not getting much at all, especially when contrasted with hybrids.

Another option does exist and an increasing number of SUV/RV owners are experimenting with selling their vehicle on the Internet. eBay and other online buy-sell forums offer a new type of classified ad. Many of these are interactive and follow an auction bidding process. With this process, you determine what you want to start the bidding at, and you can set a price for someone to “buy it now.” At the same time there is no guarantee that your vehicle will sell either. But at least there is an alternative worth exploring.

Like all dark clouds, the days of “can’t give them away,” for SUV’s and RV’s will eventually pass and America will return to it’s can’t get enough of the bigger, bolder, go-anywhere, do everything vehicle. We’ve been through these cycles before and we’ll be likely to continue to go through them in the future. This suggests that if an SUV owner has enough strength in them to ride out this storm, this may indeed be their best strategy for beating the accelerated depreciation we currently experiencing.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.

Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

This powerful beast has the estimated city driver getting around 20 miles per gallon, in which Cadillac boasts is more than comparable with the mileage on other smaller model vehicles, such as the 2008 BMW X3 or the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The hybrid features will include auto stop, electric power, and regenerative braking. Auto stop shuts off engine power while stopped, or when in traffic, in which helps reduce fuel emissions. Electric power kicks in during lower speeds, and it powers the vehicle through the combination of a 300v battery pack that is built in electric motors. Finally, with the new regenerative braking, it will restore some of the energy that is normally lost through braking in traffic, and it will be redirected to charge the electric battery.

For the performance aspect of an SUV hybrid, it is highly recommendable, but you cannot forget the luxury that is commonly offered with Cadillac. In addition to the added gas emission benefits and the maintenance of power, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is packed with luxurious features, such as the Navigation Radio interface, which provides a method of monitoring the hybrid system, as well as sound, radio and navigation. Other features include the rear view camera, Bluetooth for interfacing phones, and DVD entertainment systems in the rear seats. Not to mention the five star safety rating and remote start. Getting a hybrid is no longer a means sacrificing luxury, as Cadillac has now put a new face on the fuel economy.

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.

Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.

Chevrolet’s and GMC have some popular suv’s like the Chevy Blazer and the GMC Envoy to name a few. Both of these vehicles are just alike all but the name. These vehicles can be very nice finished, and are pretty roomy. They both come with 3rd row seating available now. Chevrolet also has several new cross over vehicles to choose from one popular one is the Chevy Equinox. The Equinox is a small suv kind of cross over vehicle with good room and good gas mileage. The Chevy Equinox can come with a LT package which comes with leather seats and wood grain dash. Stereo system for front and rear of vehicle with dvd players in back of seats.

Toyota has a lot of Suv’s to choose from like the Sequoia Suv, it is a larger suv that actually gets very good gas mileage. The Sequoia is finished off inside and out very nice and comfortable. The Toyota Sequoia comes with a v-8 engine which has lots of power to pull things or just cruise. The next Suv for Toyota is the Toyota 4runner which is almost like the Sequoia, but is a little smaller in size, and has a V-6 motor and some what better gas mileage from it. The Toyota Highlander is next in line and it is even smaller in size, still much like the bigger ones before it. They finish all their vehicles very comfortably inside and out. All the Suv’s by Toyota can come with leather and wood grain finishes, plus nice wheels and tires. Also the Toyota Rav4 is the smallest of them all, but like the other Toyotas it is a very good vehicle and reliable.

As you can tell I did not talk about the large Suv’s, simply because I think gas prices are going back up so there want be a lot of interest in that type of vehicle. Most all the big car makers have their on large Suv, known as the gas drinkers. Chevrolet has the best large Suv on the market, called the Chevy Tahoe, it has been around for several years even decades. But as you can tell, I am going to stay with the most popular right now.

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on what type of plow light we put on our vehicles. But before we do that we need to know a little bit about lights.

Snowplow lights come in regular sealed beam and halogen high intensity lighting, xenon. Head lights are measured in the amount of candlepower which is a way of measuring how much light is produced by a light bulb and a lumen is a way of measuring how much light gets to what you want to light! At least this gives you a small basis on what you are looking for. So when you are buying snowplow light s keep this information in mind.

The snowplow light manufacturers now make this systems with different ratings on their lights.

The systems mostly used now are halogens, with separate bulbs for high beams low beams.

Another thing I feel you need to keep in mind especially if you have an old plow and want to up grade your lights. Make sure your old snowplow light harness can handle the up grade. There is nothing more frustrating then installing new plow lights, and the system blows a fuse or relays and you do no know why. Especially when they usually will not blow until after 5 minutes, so just when you think you are fine the lights go out. So make sure your snowplow light harness can handle this increase.

The other thing to keep in mind is how much you want to be seen by other drivers. So you may want to start to think about installing an overhead yellow or over head strobe light. Check with your state laws there could be a requirement if you are going to install an over head strobe light. They also make them in permanent and magnetic. Personally I prefer the magnetic strobe lights It gives me the ability to choose to be removed at any time. The permanent is cheaper but requires some work to install. Please keep this in mind when buying these strobe lights and do not to get a light that is mesmerizing to oncoming drivers. You just want to notify and warn them you are there.

When buying new snowplow lights, ask about any warranties and guarantees that apply with their product. One thing I also want to talk briefly on is a lot of snowplow owners try to cram all kinds of light s in there fuse panel. Before adding any light make sure you have room in your fuse panel for any additional plow lights. When wire splicing make sure you solder, or use butt connectors and then heat shrink tube over all spices. Do not use any type of temporary connections.

Happy snowplowing and remember Edgeolite is here to keep you safer!, and Smarter

Snowplow Equipment

Hybrid Vehicle Gas Mileage Estimates (city/hwy)
(2008 & 2009 Hybrid SUV models)

34/30 mpg: 2008 Mazda Tribute (AWD)
34/30 mpg: 2009 Ford Escape (AWD)
34/30 mpg: 2009 Mercury Mariner (4WD)
27/32 mpg: 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line (2WD)
27/25 mpg: 2008 Toyota Highlander (AWD)
26/24 mpg: 2008 Lexus 400h (AWD)
21/22 mpg: 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (2WD)
20/20 mpg: 2009 GMC Yukon (4WD)
20/21 mpg: 2009 Cadillac Escalade

Hybrid SUVs combine the interior space and ride quality of an SUV with fuel-saving capabilities of hybrid cars. Some environmentalists have criticized the hybrid SUV as a misapplication of gas-electric technology. It’s true that hybrid SUVs do not reach the level of fuel efficiency of smaller hybrids in terms of miles-per-gallon. Yet, miles-per-gallon is a non-linear and counter-intuitive form of measurement. An apparently small jump in fuel efficiency—for example, from 14 to 16 mpg—saves as much oil as increasing fuel economy from 35 to 50 mpg, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

At the end, don’t miss this opportunity! Complete this short questionnaire (3 – 5 minutes) for your chance to win Hybrid SUV car of your choice!

Hybrid Vehicle Gas Mileage Estimates (city/hwy)
(2008 & 2009 Hybrid SUV models)

34/30 mpg: 2008 Mazda Tribute (AWD)
34/30 mpg: 2009 Ford Escape (AWD)
34/30 mpg: 2009 Mercury Mariner (4WD)
27/32 mpg: 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line (2WD)
27/25 mpg: 2008 Toyota Highlander (AWD)
26/24 mpg: 2008 Lexus 400h (AWD)
21/22 mpg: 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (2WD)
20/20 mpg: 2009 GMC Yukon (4WD)
20/21 mpg: 2009 Cadillac Escalade

Hybrid SUVs combine the interior space and ride quality of an SUV with fuel-saving capabilities of hybrid cars. Some environmentalists have criticized the hybrid SUV as a misapplication of gas-electric technology. It’s true that hybrid SUVs do not reach the level of fuel efficiency of smaller hybrids in terms of miles-per-gallon. Yet, miles-per-gallon is a non-linear and counter-intuitive form of measurement. An apparently small jump in fuel efficiency—for example, from 14 to 16 mpg—saves as much oil as increasing fuel economy from 35 to 50 mpg, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

At the end, don’t miss this opportunity! Complete this short questionnaire (3 – 5 minutes) for your chance to win Hybrid SUV car of your choice!

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The start stop system automatically shuts down and restarts the automobile’s engine. The engine begins effortlessly once a driver depresses a clutch prior to moving ahead. This in turn reduces the duration for which the engine is kept idling, thereby improving fuel economy. This start stop system comes into play when the automobile has to spend considerable amounts of time waiting at traffic signals or in traffic jams. This feature started in hybrid electric vehicles but now has also started appearing in vehicles without a hybrid powertrain like Scorpio and Bolero. Fuel economy can improve by 5 to 10 percent in non-hybrid vehicles with the start stop system.

Off late the start stop system uses an enhanced-starter which is nothing more than a conventional starter, developed by Bosch, which can withstand the increased number of engine starts. The system is such that the alternator is not activated most of the time. Thus the electrical components in the vehicle run on Battery. The alternator is activated to recharge the battery while decelerating or braking (regenerative braking). Due to the use of regenerative braking, some have started calling this type of system a micro hybrid.

Volkswagen Polo Formel E, Fiat Regata ES and BMW were some of the earliest vehicles to use this technology. Smart Fortwo is a micro hybrid sold in Europe. Mahindra & Mahindra has introduced Micro hybrid Technology with Scorpio and Bolero. Tata Motors is following suite with Micro Hybrid Nano and Ace.

The Micro Hybrid Technology is based on the simple principle of not burning fuel when not required. The FuelSmart system with a Micro-Hybrid technology of Scorpio is new technology developed by Mahindra R&D team with help of the M/S Bosch.

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There are certain vehicles that develop an aura over the years. The Toyota Land Cruiser certainly falls into that category. From a utilitarian beginning, it has become a bit more modern without losing the toughness we all loved.

Toyota has always taken a unique approach when it comes to their model lines. The company prefers to launch a model and then stick with it unlike most other car companies. The Land Cruiser is a classic example. The truck was first designed in 1951 with full scale production beginning in 1954. It has come in versions ranging from convertibles to station wagons. As it closes in on 60 years of production, the Land Cruiser is still the lead SUV model for the company. That’s staying power!

The story of the beginnings of the Land Cruiser is surprisingly mundane. The Japanese government asked the company to build a vehicle similar to the Jeep used by the United States Military to such effect. The name of the vehicle is often written as “Landcruiser”, but this is incorrect and obviously so when you know the origins of it. The name was based on the Land Rover built in England. Toyota wanted a similar name that sounded similar.

Despite this mundane beginning, the Toyota Land Cruiser became an iconic vehicle. The “40” series of the vehicle looked very similar to the classic military Jeep. The engine and suspension system, however, proved to be far superior. The 40 became a much sought after vehicle for off road enthusiasts as its climbing ability was second to none. Despite being built in the 60s and 70s, the vehicle is still a huge favorite as it often outperforms modern 4 wheel drive cars in off road competitions.

Perhaps the biggest testament to the popularity and reliability of the vehicle is known as the documentary/travel show testimonial. What is this? Well, pay close attention to the vehicles being driven in travel shows and documentaries in exotic locations. The vehicles are almost always Land Cruisers. This is a testimonial in that it essentially says the Land Cruiser is the vehicle of choice if you are going to be out in the middle of nowhere. That’s pure credibility.

Author : Dirk Gibson is with DCJAutoParts.com – where you can find the lowest prices on high performance Toyota Land Cruiser aftermarket parts and accessories.