Although hybrid cars offer great savings on gas and are more environment friendly than their conventional counterparts, they do pose certain risks.
Because of their giant sized, high voltage batteries they do pose a risk of acid spills and electric shocks especially during accidents. To minimize these risks stringent safeguards are in place.
The giant battery is placed at the back of the vehicle and the structure of the vehicle and its location is such that it is well protected from any shock.
Certain technological advances made ensure that even if the battery is damaged in an accident the acids won't spill out like in a conventional lead acid battery. Conventional batteries contain an acidic liquid electrolyte but in a hybrid giant battery, technology is used to ensure that this liquid remains as a sort of "paste," thereby minimizing the spill.
Further concerns arise out of the risk of electric shock. The giant battery pack at the rear can pack a punch of up to 300 volts. If the cables which connect this battery to the engine were to rupture or to leak for some reason then they could deliver a nasty wallop. However there are safeguards like automatic cut offs when a leakage is detected, which are designed to protect the passengers.
However hybrids are clearly here to stay. With technology improving rapidly and attention clearly focussed on passenger safety hybrid cars are going to be a pleasant and profitable driving experience in the years to come.
Hybrid Cars - Their Mileage
1. Honda Accord
Mileage: 30/37 MPG
2. Honda Civic
Mileage: 50/50 MPG
3. Lexus GS 450h
Mileage 25/28 MPG
4. Nissan Altima
Mileage 41/36 MPG
5. Toyota Camry
Mileage 43/37 MPG
6. Toyota Prius
Mileage 60/51 MPG
Mileage: 30/37 MPG
2. Honda Civic
Mileage: 50/50 MPG
3. Lexus GS 450h
Mileage 25/28 MPG
4. Nissan Altima
Mileage 41/36 MPG
5. Toyota Camry
Mileage 43/37 MPG
6. Toyota Prius
Mileage 60/51 MPG
Car Theft - 4 Tips to Prevent Car Theft
You often come across people who say "No one would want to steal my car." Well, they could be wrong. Most stolen cars aren't brand new. Usually, they are slightly old. Common cars don't stand out and can be easily sold. The most stolen cars are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the Honda Civic.
The statistics are an eyeopener. There is a car stolen every 26 seconds in the US. Around 65% of all stolen vehicles are recovered, most of them in a damaged condition or with their vital parts removed. The number of arrests made is about one in eight. Most of the thefts occur on Friday's or Saturday's.
There is a misconception that insurance covers the entire cost of theft. It doesn't. The insurance company will finally shell out only the depreciated value of your car and not the replacement cost. Nevertheless, it is best to be properly insured.Whether or not they pay for repairs depends on the type of policy you have taken.
There are some practical ways to minimize the chances of your car been stolen. They are:
1. Lock your car properly when you leave it. Close all windows and the sunroof as well.
2. Don't leave valuables in the car in plain view. This attracts thieves and vandals who will simply smash your window and steal whatever they can.
3. Park your car in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible in attendant lots.
4. Use your alarm and other anti-theft devices.
Registering with the National Vehicle Identification Program is free. They also help the police in tracking down stolen vehicles.
These small tips will go a long way towards protecting your car from being stolen.
The statistics are an eyeopener. There is a car stolen every 26 seconds in the US. Around 65% of all stolen vehicles are recovered, most of them in a damaged condition or with their vital parts removed. The number of arrests made is about one in eight. Most of the thefts occur on Friday's or Saturday's.
There is a misconception that insurance covers the entire cost of theft. It doesn't. The insurance company will finally shell out only the depreciated value of your car and not the replacement cost. Nevertheless, it is best to be properly insured.Whether or not they pay for repairs depends on the type of policy you have taken.
There are some practical ways to minimize the chances of your car been stolen. They are:
1. Lock your car properly when you leave it. Close all windows and the sunroof as well.
2. Don't leave valuables in the car in plain view. This attracts thieves and vandals who will simply smash your window and steal whatever they can.
3. Park your car in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible in attendant lots.
4. Use your alarm and other anti-theft devices.
Registering with the National Vehicle Identification Program is free. They also help the police in tracking down stolen vehicles.
These small tips will go a long way towards protecting your car from being stolen.
How to Prevent Car Theft ?
You often come across people who say "No one would want to steal my car." Well, they could be wrong. Most stolen cars aren't brand new. Usually, they are slightly old. Common cars don't stand out and can be easily sold. The most stolen cars are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the Honda Civic.
The statistics are an eyeopener. There is a car stolen every 26 seconds in the US. Around 65% of all stolen vehicles are recovered, most of them in a damaged condition or with their vital parts removed. The number of arrests made is about one in eight. Most of the thefts occur on Friday's or Saturday's.
There is a misconception that insurance covers the entire cost of theft. It doesn't. The insurance company will finally shell out only the depreciated value of your car and not the replacement cost. Nevertheless, it is best to be properly insured.Whether or not they pay for repairs depends on the type of policy you have taken.
There are some practical ways to minimize the chances of your car been stolen. They are:
1. Lock your car properly when you leave it. Close all windows and the sunroof as well.
2. Don't leave valuables in the car in plain view. This attracts thieves and vandals who will simply smash your window and steal whatever they can.
3. Park your car in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible in attendant lots.
4. Use your alarm and other anti-theft devices.
Registering with the National Vehicle Identification Program is free. They also help the police in tracking down stolen vehicles.
These small tips will go a long way towards protecting your car from being stolen.
The statistics are an eyeopener. There is a car stolen every 26 seconds in the US. Around 65% of all stolen vehicles are recovered, most of them in a damaged condition or with their vital parts removed. The number of arrests made is about one in eight. Most of the thefts occur on Friday's or Saturday's.
There is a misconception that insurance covers the entire cost of theft. It doesn't. The insurance company will finally shell out only the depreciated value of your car and not the replacement cost. Nevertheless, it is best to be properly insured.Whether or not they pay for repairs depends on the type of policy you have taken.
There are some practical ways to minimize the chances of your car been stolen. They are:
1. Lock your car properly when you leave it. Close all windows and the sunroof as well.
2. Don't leave valuables in the car in plain view. This attracts thieves and vandals who will simply smash your window and steal whatever they can.
3. Park your car in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible in attendant lots.
4. Use your alarm and other anti-theft devices.
Registering with the National Vehicle Identification Program is free. They also help the police in tracking down stolen vehicles.
These small tips will go a long way towards protecting your car from being stolen.
Top Hybrid Cars - Their Costs and Fuel Consumption
1. Honda Accord
Base MSRP Approx. $30,000
Mileage: 30/37 MPG
2. Honda Civic
Base MSRP Approx. $21,850
Mileage: 50/50 MPG
3. Lexus GS 450h
Base MSRP $55,595
Mileage 25/28 MPG
4. Nissan Altima
Base MSRP $24,400
Mileage 41/36 MPG
5. Toyota Camry
Base MSRP Approx. $30,000
Mileage 43/37 MPG
6. Toyota Prius
Base MSRP Approx. $22,000
Mileage 60/51 MPG
Base MSRP Approx. $30,000
Mileage: 30/37 MPG
2. Honda Civic
Base MSRP Approx. $21,850
Mileage: 50/50 MPG
3. Lexus GS 450h
Base MSRP $55,595
Mileage 25/28 MPG
4. Nissan Altima
Base MSRP $24,400
Mileage 41/36 MPG
5. Toyota Camry
Base MSRP Approx. $30,000
Mileage 43/37 MPG
6. Toyota Prius
Base MSRP Approx. $22,000
Mileage 60/51 MPG
Toyota Raises Prices of 2008 Models
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 Avalon full-size sedan, Prius gas-electric hybrid, Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), FJ Cruiser off-road SUV, 4Runner mid-size SUV, Tacoma pickup and Sienna.
All eight models begin arriving in dealerships in late July and throughout the month of August.
1. 2008 Avalon
The total Avalon average MSRP increases $201 or 0.6 percent.
2. 2008 Prius
The total Prius average MSRP increases $150 or 0.7 percent.
3. 2008 Yaris
The total Yaris average MSRP increases $150 or 1.2 percent.
4. 2008 RAV4
Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.
5. 2008 FJ Cruiser
The FJ's base MSRP ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13
6. 2008 4Runner
The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.
7. 2008 Tacoma
The Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models.
8. 2008 Sienna
The total Sienna average MSRP increases $35 or 0.1 percent.
All eight models begin arriving in dealerships in late July and throughout the month of August.
1. 2008 Avalon
The total Avalon average MSRP increases $201 or 0.6 percent.
2. 2008 Prius
The total Prius average MSRP increases $150 or 0.7 percent.
3. 2008 Yaris
The total Yaris average MSRP increases $150 or 1.2 percent.
4. 2008 RAV4
Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.
5. 2008 FJ Cruiser
The FJ's base MSRP ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13
6. 2008 4Runner
The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.
7. 2008 Tacoma
The Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models.
8. 2008 Sienna
The total Sienna average MSRP increases $35 or 0.1 percent.
Totyota raises price of 2008 models
Toyota announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices today for the 2008 Avalon full-size sedan, Prius gas-electric hybrid, Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle FJ Cruiser off-road SUV (pictured), 4Runner mid-size SUV, Tacoma pickup and Sienna.
Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota passenger car lineup, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2008, Avalon receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and a braking system upgrade for improved stopping distance, reduced fade and pedal firmness.
Exterior changes - include a new aggressive design for the headlamps, front bumper and radiator grille, in-key remote keyless entry and tinted tail lamps. New 17-inch alloy wheels are offered on the Touring and XLS models. The Limited model also receives chrome door handles.
Interior changes - include a new dark wood grain trim and eight-way power front passenger's seat with power lumbar support on XLS and Limited models. The Touring model features a new aluminum-style interior trim.
The 2008 Avalon also has an updated AM/FM/CD changer with nine speakers, MP3 playback capability and auxiliary audio input jack as a standard feature.
The base manufacturer's suggested retail for the 2008 Avalon ranges from $27,075 for the XL model to $34,415 for the Limited model. The total Avalon average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $201 or 0.6 percent.
The fuel-efficient 2008 Prius is a better value this year with an expanded lineup to include a lower-priced, new standard model. The base manufacturer's suggested retail for Prius ranges from $20,950 for the newly introduced standard model to $23,220 for the Touring model. The total Prius average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 0.7 percent.
The Yaris subcompact carries over unchanged for 2008 except for the addition of a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all models. The 2008 Yaris also gains the all-new Liftback Sport model. The Yaris Liftback Sport features several exterior enhancements, including color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels, and is equipped with standard features such as driver and front passenger sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, tachometer with amber illumination, 15-inch wheels, rear window defroster, rear window wiper, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability and auxiliary audio input jack.
The five-speed manual transmission Liftback carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $11,300 and the Sedan with automatic transmission carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,900. The Yaris Sport Liftback with five-speed manual transmission will carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,975. All Yaris vehicles arrive in August and the total Yaris average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 1.2 percent.
The RAV4 maintains all interior and safety enhancements for 2008. All models now feature driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor as standard equipment. RAV4 models carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail that ranges from $21,100 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $26,670 for the 4WD Limited V6. Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.
The FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature a number of key upgrades, including an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, side-curtain airbags for both rows and sun visors with vanity mirrors. The FJ's base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13
4Runner will improve its numerous standard safety features on all models with the addition of driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor. For 2008 the manufacturer's suggested retail will increase $380 for SR5 and Sport Edition models and $350 for Limited models. The 4Runner manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $28,015 for the 2WD SR5 V6 to $38,735 for the 4WD Limited V8. The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.
For 2008, the Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models. The base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $14,280 for the 2WD four-cylinder with a manual transmission to $26,115 for the Double Cab 4WD V6 automatic long bed. The total Tacoma average manufacturer's suggested retail increases 0.5 percent.
Sienna offers new product enhancements and Extra Value Packages. New standard features include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and rear disc brakes on all models. Also, Bluetooth? is now on all models featuring standard or available JBL audio. The Sienna manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $24,340 for the 2WD CE to $37,665 for the AWD Limited model. The total Sienna average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $35
Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota passenger car lineup, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2008, Avalon receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and a braking system upgrade for improved stopping distance, reduced fade and pedal firmness.
Exterior changes - include a new aggressive design for the headlamps, front bumper and radiator grille, in-key remote keyless entry and tinted tail lamps. New 17-inch alloy wheels are offered on the Touring and XLS models. The Limited model also receives chrome door handles.
Interior changes - include a new dark wood grain trim and eight-way power front passenger's seat with power lumbar support on XLS and Limited models. The Touring model features a new aluminum-style interior trim.
The 2008 Avalon also has an updated AM/FM/CD changer with nine speakers, MP3 playback capability and auxiliary audio input jack as a standard feature.
The base manufacturer's suggested retail for the 2008 Avalon ranges from $27,075 for the XL model to $34,415 for the Limited model. The total Avalon average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $201 or 0.6 percent.
The fuel-efficient 2008 Prius is a better value this year with an expanded lineup to include a lower-priced, new standard model. The base manufacturer's suggested retail for Prius ranges from $20,950 for the newly introduced standard model to $23,220 for the Touring model. The total Prius average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 0.7 percent.
The Yaris subcompact carries over unchanged for 2008 except for the addition of a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all models. The 2008 Yaris also gains the all-new Liftback Sport model. The Yaris Liftback Sport features several exterior enhancements, including color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels, and is equipped with standard features such as driver and front passenger sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, tachometer with amber illumination, 15-inch wheels, rear window defroster, rear window wiper, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability and auxiliary audio input jack.
The five-speed manual transmission Liftback carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $11,300 and the Sedan with automatic transmission carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,900. The Yaris Sport Liftback with five-speed manual transmission will carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,975. All Yaris vehicles arrive in August and the total Yaris average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 1.2 percent.
The RAV4 maintains all interior and safety enhancements for 2008. All models now feature driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor as standard equipment. RAV4 models carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail that ranges from $21,100 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $26,670 for the 4WD Limited V6. Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.
The FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature a number of key upgrades, including an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, side-curtain airbags for both rows and sun visors with vanity mirrors. The FJ's base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13
4Runner will improve its numerous standard safety features on all models with the addition of driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor. For 2008 the manufacturer's suggested retail will increase $380 for SR5 and Sport Edition models and $350 for Limited models. The 4Runner manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $28,015 for the 2WD SR5 V6 to $38,735 for the 4WD Limited V8. The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.
For 2008, the Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models. The base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $14,280 for the 2WD four-cylinder with a manual transmission to $26,115 for the Double Cab 4WD V6 automatic long bed. The total Tacoma average manufacturer's suggested retail increases 0.5 percent.
Sienna offers new product enhancements and Extra Value Packages. New standard features include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and rear disc brakes on all models. Also, Bluetooth? is now on all models featuring standard or available JBL audio. The Sienna manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $24,340 for the 2WD CE to $37,665 for the AWD Limited model. The total Sienna average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $35
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