Sunday, June 30, 2013
TOYOTA PROBOX PRICE IN PAKISTAN
Friday, June 28, 2013
Los Angeles Times Review Prius Problems Beyond Brakes Go Back 10 Years


Thursday, June 27, 2013
New Car Review 2012 Fiat 500C
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| The 2012 Fiat 500C. |
Regular TireKicker readers know I am hype-averse. The more something gets promoted, plugged, built-up, the more skeptical I am about it.
So, a dumb commercial featuring J. Lo and the Fiat 500C is a great way to turn me all the way off:
And, Ill admit...even before that started airing, I had my doubts about the Fiat 500. It looked like another super-sized re-creation (the original 500 could probably fit in the passenger space of the new one) of a cute car from 50 years ago that almost no one in North America has ever seen, much less driven. And the changes required by government regulation and consumer preferences in the intervening half-century insured that, despite a distinctive appearance, this would very likely be just another contemporary small car.
But, as Brock Yates once said about driving a Yugo for Car and Driver, "Its a car magazine. We drive the sunsabitches." So I did.
It went back to Fiat 24 hours ago after a week and 250 miles with me.
I miss it.
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| The 2012 Fiat 500C front and side view. |
While still waiting for our time in a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, I can tell you this: The Fiat 500 is a terrific little car. The styling is a mood elevator and conversation starter. Youll make a lot of friends just getting out of the car to run into the grocery store. Its 1.4 liter four-cylinder and 6-speed automatic provide a good blend of performance and fuel economy. It cruises at 80 on the freeway without the least bit of drama and with a surprising lack of noise and vibration. You sit upright and tall in the car, aided by the arching roof. Im six feet even, and I had headroom to spare. And the seats might be the most comfortable chairs weve been in since TireKicker launched more than three years ago.
It is, as I thought it might be, a contemporary small car...but in the best possible way.
The charm factor was amplified by the fact that our tester was the 500C...the convertible. Or giant canvas sunroof model. Whatever. Just look at the photo at the top of this review and know that it opens to three positions...just back of the front seats, just behind the rear seats, or all the way down. And since it doesnt raise into the air or fold, you can open or close it while driving.
In the first two positions, wind noise and the feeling of a breeze through the cabin are muted. This is a convertible you can drive without mussing your hair. All the way back, and you get the sensation of the breeze circulating through the cockpit, but you still can carry on a conversation without raising your voice.
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| Interior of the 2012 Fiat 500C. |
Options? Our car had two...Customer Preferred Package 22J, the Luxury Leather Package...leather-trimmed heated front bucket seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror for $1,250...and $300 to upgrade the 15-inch aluminum wheels. With destination charge of $500, the bottom line is $25,550.
No, thats not cheap for a small car...but the Fiat 500C isnt meant to be cheap (although you can buy a base hardtop with a manual transmission for $15,500 and a less lavishly-equipped convertible, the Fiat 500C Pop, for $19,500). Its a premium small car. A Mini Cooper convertible cant be had for less than $25,650 base...$100 more than our 500Cs as-tested price. Yes, the Fiat has 20 horsepower less than the Mini...but it weighs 100 pounds less.
So does Fiat beat the Mini? Maybe. Its been years since BMW has sent a Mini our way (save the high-performance, high-pricetage Mini John Cooper Works Convertible we reviewed a year and a half ago), so, as with the 2012 Beetle, we cant make a direct comparison yet. But we will say this much: The Fiat is a very strong contender. Underestimate it at your own risk.
2012 Fiat 500C Lounge
Base price: $23,500.
As tested: $25,550.
Likes: Interior room, 3-position convertible top, great seats.
Dislikes: Vehicle information center confusing. The trip computer in ours either didnt work or we couldnt understand it in a week. Neither of those is a good thing.
EPA estimates: 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The popularity of Korean cars is growing
The Western countries have long since been able to evaluate the performance of Korean vehicles, while Russia prefers to buy other popular auto manufacturers. Even in the recent 60's road construction in Korea and did not exist. They only deal with the release of spare parts. Recently, the brewery produces about 2 million cars. To date, Korean cars are distinguished among other things, transportation is not only the highest quality, economy and favorable price. Manufacturers, factories that have special licenses, sales of automotive products in the shops of Korean parts, allowing consumers to produce high-quality repair of motor vehicles, to increase their lifespan. Korean car perfect for those motorists who do not want to spend extra money for nothing, but prefer to buy new items automotive market. Modern design cars, the introduction of modern options and a broad base configuration allowed the Korean manufacturer to gain a good reputation. Thus, the demand for cars from companies such as «Kia», «Hyundai», «Ssang Yong», «Daewoo» is increasing every day, not only in Europe but around the world as a whole.
CNN 2002 Technical Service Bulletin Suggests Toyota Knew Of Electronic Acceleration Surges
The TSB from eight years ago was provided by attorneys for plainiffs in class action suits. They say it proves Toyota knew it had a problem, and knew it wasnt floor mats, at the beginning of the last decade.
Toyota calls them "baseless allegations" and "unfounded claims".
Monday, June 24, 2013
Mazda CX 9 Recall Seat Heaters Could Catch Fire

Sunday, June 23, 2013
My Car Ran Over Your Dog Heres What You Owe Me

A Canadian family, mourning the loss of their dog, is being asked to pay for damage to the car that hit it.
State Farm insurance says Kim Flemming let Jake, a 12-year old yellow Labrador, out of the house without a leash...in violation of a local bylaw....and thus caused the accident.
The bill? 1732.80 Canadian...$1648.95 US dollars.
(from Breitbart)
Friday, June 21, 2013
2011 BMW Z4 Review



2011 Ford Fiesta Review




Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Feds Toyota Death Toll 52 Since 2000

The Detroit News says the government has updated the number of people killed in accidents linked to unintended acceleration in the past ten years. Its now at 52. Details here.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
First Look 2014 Jeep Cherokee UPDATED with more photos

We knew Jeep was going to do something different. This is the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, which will replace the Liberty.

Chrysler (Jeeps parent company) is promising best-in-class capability, it will be Trail Rated and it brings back a beloved Jeep model name.

But the styling seems to be a love it or hate it thing, based on early response in the Twitterverse. Our guess is its going to look great (if a tad cartoonish) in dark colors with the right wheels, but may not work so well otherwise.
What do you think of it? Comment below.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Unintended Acceleration Does It Come From Outer Space

Thursday, June 13, 2013
U S Transportation Secretary Stop Driving Recalled Toyotas

Proving that confidence-eroding moments arent limited to automakers.
NEXT-DAY UPDATE: Reuters reports that LaHoods comments, pre-retraction, caused Toyota shares to drop 6.14%...or about $7 billion.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Car Reviews Mazda 5 4WD


Car Reviews Mazda 5 4WD, Devices that function to disable the engine when the car stopped for a moment in the queue, traffic jam, or stop in front of traffic lights. As a result, the intake of fuel into the combustion chamber was temporarily stopped. After the driver stepped on the gas, the device automatically re-activate the machine.

Another uniqueness owned Mazda 5 is the 4WD version, drivers can choose whether to use force driving two-wheel drive system or four wheels. Motorists simply press the button that choice. Brand-new MPV is going dibanderol 1, 799-2, 314 million yen or approximately.

Indeed, this MPV has been produced since 1999. Five years later - in 2005 - Mazda compact family car, received a touch of change. Thus, the model began to be produced is a third generation.

Mazda claims to date Mazda Primacy has sold 81 thousand units and scattered in various parts of the world. The manufacturer claims that newer models have a level 15 percent lower emissions than previous models without engine 2,000 cc i-stop feature.
Another advantage offered is a spacious cabin capacity because the seats can be arranged flexibly. In addition, with sliding doors (sliding door) on both sides of the rear passengers to make access in and out easier too.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
News Fiat Increasing Stake In Chrysler No Immediate Plans To Merge
Monday, June 10, 2013
House Committee Subpoenas Documents From Former Toyota Counsel Toyota Had Filed Injunction To Prevent Their Release

Sunday, June 9, 2013
2011 Honda CR Z Review
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| The 2011 Honda CR-Z . |
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| Your fathers CR-Z, the mid-1980s Honda CR-X. |
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| The 2011 Honda CR-Z. Leaving tuners and customizers little to work with. |
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| 2011 Honda CR-Z interior. These days, this passes for restraint at Honda. |
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Replacing the windshield on the WHA 2101 2107
On the road, anything can happen. Happens - the wheel "strelnet" happens - the carburetor haywire. A happens, suddenly a stone fly from under the vehicle in front and straight into the windshield. If the glass is tempered - instantly to smithereens, as if - "triplex" that covered "Lobovikov" cracks, so much so that sometimes can not see through him, nothing at all. In most cases, on modern cars windshield glued to the sealing rubber band and replace it yourself without a special glue is simply impossible. But this does not apply to our good "classic". Replace "Lobovikov" on the classical model of VAZ there is no difficulty. However, not all alone - always need help with a second person. So, before you start to change, you must all prepare. You need to have a new sealing gum, which keeps the glass, a new string key called in common "lock", silicone cream, a long rope, sealant or anticorrelation and helper tools. Oh, and of course, a new windshield. In order to remove the old "Lobovikov, you must first remove the" locking "of the sealing rubber. After that, one man gently squeezes inside the glass, and the second from the outside to stick with it, so it is not broke on the hood. Once the old glass is removed, the metal frame will be perfectly visible rust streaks that still seeped through the seal gum. All these "troubles" it is better to clean up with fine emery cloth and handle the anticorrosive. Once the frame is dry, you can install a new windshield. The sealing gum and a "lock" from time to time lose their elasticity and become rough, and sometimes fragile. Therefore, the old gum can not spare to send to the trash can. New gum neatly put on a new windshield. By itself, some form of gum, Contour-glass, so you need to properly wear it. On the outside of the gum is a slot in which to get the car window frame. This groove is embedded rope and raised edges frame promazyvayutsya silicone cream for better gliding on them the seal gum. Then one person from the inside starts to pull the rope and the other outside the tightly pressed against the glass to the body. Thus quietly gum grabbed a frame around the perimeter and glass will be in place. The last operation - installation of "lock" to seal the gum. That he does not jump out of the glass gum, it was he who presses the gum to the body and prevents the penetration of rain (or other) water inside the cabin. Installing the "castle" - the work tedious, but should not act hastily and should not be used for this sharp objects - knives, scissors, screwdrivers, because it is likely to cut their seal. All the glass in place. It remains only to wipe it carefully and you can go! Do you urgently need money? Then buying battered car for you. Experienced specialist in one hour will come to you and assess your car. Calculation on the spot.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Replacing the valve stem seals on the VAZ 2101 2107
Signs of wear and valve stem seals on the classics, as well as on other cars, is the increased oil consumption, blue smoke during peregazovki, when you first start the engine in the morning, starting from the crossroads. This is due to drip oil on the valve stem caps are worn through. To resolve this problem, you will need the following tools: wrenches 8 * 10, preferably tubular, rassuharivatel for the classics, for the "nines" a little different, to cap remover and a special mandrel to set the caps. First, removed valve cover. Then you put tags on the engine. On the crankshaft and on the control they need to match. Loosen the chain - unscrew the two nuts on the tensioner key 10. Use a screwdriver to bend open the lock bolts raspredvalnoy stars, unscrew the bolt at 17. She then carefully removed and, together with a chain attached to the hood, so as not to fall in lobovinu. Candles can be turned out, because when rassuharivanii valves, they will have to hold inside. Further unwound and dismantled the camshaft. If you follow the instructions, the valve is desirable to relax, but you can not do this. Then, together with the springs removed rockers. Try, so they do not messed up, and lay in the order in which had been withdrawn. Getting to the replacement caps. Selected rod diameter of about 6-8 mm, or a long screwdriver, to support the valves. Rassuharivatel established for each valve in different places. Setting rassuharivatel on any of the first cylinder valve, trying to push. Feeling that the valve budged, insert the candle into the hole rod or screwdriver and groped valve plate, is running out for her. At the same time dramatically, but not much pressure on the lever rassuharivatelya. Freed crackers carefully with good magnetic screwdriver to remove the upper plate. Then removed 2pruzhiny. The valve can be gently lower into the cylinder until it stops. With the collet is removed old zadubevshy cap. Can be removed and a screwdriver, but it is likely broken valve guide. Then check the status of the valve stem and guide, and making sure that there is no backlash, we establish a mandrel new cap. This operation is repeated with the remaining valves. The assembly is performed in reverse order.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Ford Firm On Flex Future

Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Polishing a car with his hands
Before you start polishing machine, wash and dry. After this purchase all necessary materials and grinding wheels. There are several ways of polishing. To fulfill the first method, you must have a polishing machine. But it can be used only under the condition that has experience in dealing with this device. The second - with the help of hands: in a few days the machine will simply shine. In order to apply the third method, we should drill with paddle. This option is complicated to use, but it is entirely realistic. First need polishing paste, as well as a circle. Circle can be as wool and paralonovym. Yet it is desirable to buy the wool, the reason being that when drying the paste, while washing it will not crumble, as it happens when using paralonovogo krguga. That is, when the decision to apply the manual polishing, you need to buy woolen cloth. Now you have to buy polishing paste, taking into account the state of car paint coating. For example, melkoabrazivnuyu paste, if polishing is the first time. Because the application of the paste with a large or medium abrasive, it is likely that protretsya cover up the soil. Unlimited choice of pasta. Best buy professional from ZM. After this is acquired skin with the number 2000-2500. You can and 1500, but if you're doing yourself polishing the first time, this is undesirable. Masking tape as necessary. Having bought all the necessary, proceed to polishing. It consists of four phases. At first remove the layer of paint, no erased from the body of car with sandpaper. Do not forget even the smallest scratches. For that would not remove the entire layer of varnish, we should all hold very cautiously and carefully. And do not worry, it's entirely standard process. Using masking tape sticking gum and polyethylene to seal the surface of glass, plastic parts, and all that without the paint. This operation is carried out for whatever and then remove the dried polish. The most critical point is very polished. To carry out this operation must take polishing paste and apply it to the surface of the body. Then, using the spray, the surface moisture and polishing pad. Take the polishing machine, include the minimum number of revolutions and feather a toothpaste all over the body surface. In the future the number of revolutions can be increased to 1500. Sanders do not need to pull and move in different directions, it must be led gently horizontally, then vertically and vice versa. If you are drying the paste, then soften it with water. During polishing should not apply pressure, and prevent overheating of the surface, because you can burn the paint. To begin the polishing process should start with the trunk and polishing paste prior to the disappearance. Handle edges, because you can wipe up the ground in these places. Polishing process takes 8-10 hours. Protective wax is applied on top.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Nissan Cube SL Review


Monday, June 3, 2013
New Car Review 2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO
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| The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO. |
Comes now our third test of a Chevrolet Cruze in the past five months. Each one has been a different flavor. We started out with the loaded Chevrolet Cruze LTZ. Loved it, but for $24,000 and change as tested, wed better have.
Then just about two months ago, it was almost the opposite end of the spectrum...the Chevrolet Cruze 1LT (one level up from the base Cruze). Also a thumbs-up, and at a more reasonable $18,995.
Now its the Chevrolet Cruze ECO. What makes an ECO an ECO? Well, mostly its the 1.4 liter ECOTEC engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with ECO overdrive. But to tell it apart from the other Cruzes in traffic, youll probably have to look at the trunklid.
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| The lone giveaway...the discreet "eco" badge on the trunklid of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO. |
If the ECO otherwise looks like a well-equipped Cruze, thats because it is. The base price of $19,245 brings with it the expected practicalities (stability control, ABS, multiple airbags) and some uplevel niceties that the ECO name doesnt imply (security system, keyless entry, OnStar, tire pressure monitor, deluxe cloth seat trim, USB, Bluetooth, XM, a tilting, telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17 inch alloy wheels and an Aero Performance Package...lower front grille air shutter, mid-body aero panels and front fascia air dam).
Now, that Aero package, while making the Cruze ECO look sporty, is actually there in service of the ECOs primary mission...fuel economy. Through aids like that, the substitution of a tire sealant and inflator kit for a spare tire, a smaller gas tank (12.6 gallons instead of the 15.6 gallons in other Cruze models), economy-minded gearing and the marvels of computers working to squeeze every mile out of every drop of fuel, the ECO takes the same 138-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder and gets an EPA estimated 28 city/42 highway miles per gallon. Its 24/36 in the 1LT and LTZ.
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| The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO interior. |
Of course, as the EPA says "your mileage may vary", and as my Dad used to say "its all about the nut holding the wheel". Our friend and colleague Nina Russin at Carspondent got 44.8 miles per gallon driving it like she stole it. A week later, it was in my hands and in 300 miles (about 20% urban freeway and the rest city streets), I only managed 29.2.
Still, thats in the ballpark for the EPA city estimate, and not a lot of cars get there. In fact, most dont. And overall, the ECO is our favorite Cruze. It looks good, is well equipped, has a nice interior and one of the best manual shifters weve found in a domestic car (not Honda-level, but close). Ours had one option, the Driver Convenience Package, which gives the driver a six-way power-adjustable seat and rear parking assist for $495. So with a $750 destination charge, the bottom line was $20,490. Thats a sweet spot for a car in this class and with this level of equipment.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO
Base price: $19,245
As tested: $20,490
Likes: Styling, comfort, economy, slick manual shifter.
Dislikes: USB not fully compatible with iPhone.
EPA estimate: 28 mpg city/42 mpg highway.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Dodge Challenger SE Review


Best part of the deal is the SEs base price of $22,735. Second best is the gas mileage: 17 city/25 highway.
If you can restrain yourself to the SE with the Rallye package, youll come in around $26,200 with destination charges. But the tester Dodge sent loaded it up...Preferred Package 250, Sound Group, Leather Interior Group, Power Sunroof, Media Center....running the tab up to $31,175.
With my own money? Maybe the Sound Group for $645 (the media center is $1775 and while the hard drive and steering wheel controls are nice, most of that money is for a nav system...and Im on the record as saying those are never money well spent....not when your cell phone probably has GPS mapping)...which would land just this side of 27 large.
At only 250 horsepower, you will get smoked at the stoplights by six-cylinder Camaros and Mustangs (and thats just the 2010 models...not the steroid sixes in the 2011 models)...but if its looks youre after, this is pretty sweet.









