Why your next pickup should be a GM
Oddly enough, out of all of the research done into hybrid technology GM has been forward thinking enough to make theirs are not only affordable, but ingenious as well. They now offer both the Sierra and the Silverado pickups as hybrids country wide. Using a technology not formerly seen in hybrids, GM attempted to not only lower emissions in their pickups, but to make them handier as well. Affordable technologyGM wanted to make a hybrid truck that was too well priced to turn down, the major complaint of the hybrid models is high price tag which counteracts the gas mileage benefits. In response to this GM produced their pick up hybrids to cost only $1500.00-$2500.00 more than its gas guzzling brothers, saved with tax cuts at the pump within the first few years of ownership. Especially if you consider that the hybrids produce a 10% improvement in fuel economy, all without sacrificing any power. Both the Sierra and Silverado offer the same 245 horsepower V8 engine, and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. If you consider that pickup truck drivers are not sacrificing any power and when sitting stopped in traffic it emits very limited pollution for their size. Hybrid systemGM employs what they call a “flywheel alternator starter hybrid system” which uses a compact electric motor incorporated between the engine and the transmission. This electric engine runs the truck when it is slowing or idling at a standstill. They calibrate the flywheel alternator system to turn off the engine more frequently than even those systems used in most smaller hybrid models. Eliminating much of the pollution caused by slow moving traffic in high volume. Now your work truck can double as a generatorBoth the Sierra and the Silverado boost four 120-volt, 20 amp three-prong outlets which can be used to provide power for electrical tools and electronics. This eliminates any need for a gassy generator spewing fumes into the air at a work site. The truck must be running, but utilizing it’s electric engine allows it to run virtually emission free. GM reports that their hybrid trucks can continue to pump out power for up to 32 hours non-stop before needing to refuel. Aimed specifically at contractors, whose need to access abundant sources of energy and drive long miles to job sites fuel this intelligent new take on a work truck. Testers reportThe power source for tools was not quite as juicy as GM would have you think, however the idea is a brilliant one. No doubt in a few generations they will have nailed down this imperfection in an already forward thinking vehicle. Although the gas mileage is a tad better overall, it borders on insignificant. Which again is certain to be addressed and updated in generations to come. Reviewers say that the feel of the engine cutting out as you hit ten miles an hour is a bit disconcerting, and takes some getting used to, but its pollution saving benefits far outweigh that small detail. Every accessory on the truck is electrical, so the gas engine only runs when it is needed to for its sole purpose, to accelerate the vehicle. Overall appealThe brilliance behind the ideas developed for these pickup truck models is really what drives them at this point. Fine tuning is necessary of any piece of equipment and GM has been making pick up trucks for a long time. They will continue to address the issues and refine the existing good points, driving the hybrid market to continue to bring us new and innovative ideas. <b>About the Author:</b> My name is Paige Filler and I'm a creative writer with a love of all things that go vroom. I do my homework to bring thought and innovation into everything I write about the auto industry. You can find more of my stuff at <a href="http://www.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank">Cash 4 Used Cars</a>, and <a href="http://blog.cash4usedcars.com/" target="blank"> this blog.</a>
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Used Auto Warranty Warning: Beware Dealer-Issued Extended Auto Warranty Coverage
Buying a used car? You need an extended auto warranty to protect you from expensive surprises down the road. But be careful when your dealer tries to sell you used auto extended warranty coverage. Usually, the dealer is simply reselling used auto warranties issued by a used auto warranty company, with a markup of up to $1000. You could just as easily have bought the extended warranty directly from the auto warranty company. But overpaying for a third-party used car extended auto warranty is certainly not the worst used auto warranty deal you can get. The worst auto extended warranty deal is to buy one that isn’t issued by a third party at all. Dealer-Issued Extended Auto Warranties Explained Yes, some dealers actually sell extended auto warranties they’ve created themselves. These dealer-issued auto warranties typically only allow you to get service at the dealership. They either don’t cover repairs done anywhere else at all, or they only cover emergency repairs for breakdowns. Often, a dealer-issued used auto extended warranty even restricts you to getting maintenance at the dealership only. With a captive clientele, the dealerships often charge much more than local mechanics. There are some other big problems with a dealer-issued used auto extended warranty: What happens if you move far away? Answer: you’d have to buy another auto warranty. What if you’re driving somewhere far away when your car breaks down? Answer: if the used auto warranty doesn’t cover reimbursements for emergency service, you’re in trouble. Even if it does cover reimbursements, you’d better hope your credit card or checking account can handle the damage in the meantime. What if the dealership goes bankrupt? Answer: get in line behind the banks, the car manufacturer, the dealership’s vendors, and everyone else trying to get money out of the business. What if you just aren’t satisfied with the dealer’s work? Answer: complain very, very nicely. You can’t take your business elsewhere unless you’re willing to pay for it. If you comparison shopped the dealer-issued extended auto warranty, you’d realize it wasn’t worth it. But most people never do a used auto extended warranties comparison. There is simply so much ignorance about auto warranties. Your best hope is to learn more. Dealer-Issued Used Auto Warranties: Why Does Anyone Buy Them? Most often, the buyer simply never thought about an extended auto warranty before going to the dealership. When the salesperson explains how important extended auto warranty coverage is, the buyer just thanks him for the tip and buys it. The buyer doesn’t realize how expensive the warranty is. Of course, car repairs can potentially be so expensive that even an overpriced dealer-issued warranty can pay for itself several times over. Meanwhile, next to a $15,000 car, even an overpriced $2500 dealer-issued warranty seems cheap. But if you’re going to buy a warranty, why not buy a really good one? Many buyers mistake dealer-issued warranties for manufacturers’ warranties. In some cases, the salesperson may even try to let you think the warranty will cover repairs at any of the dealerships affiliated with that manufacturer (say, any Chrysler or Mitsubishi dealership). Of course, such warranties do exist, but they’re more common for new cars than used cars. In short, if a used car dealer ever tries to sell you an extended auto warranty, make sure to ask flat out: will this warranty cover repairs done anywhere, or just this dealership? Double-check the warranty itself to make sure it has a third-party company’s name on it, not the dealership’s. Better yet, why not just buy the extended warranty directly from the warranty company rather than pay the dealer hundreds of dollars of markup on it? That way, you can also research the warranty thoroughly, without pressure. In fact, you should start investigating extended auto warranties even before you go to the dealership. You’ll certainly like the salesperson’s face when you tell him you know what the original warranty company charges for the warranty they’re trying to sell you. You’ll also know in advance how much total the car purchase really will cost you. Don’t wait. Start looking at extended auto warranties now, before the dealerships’ salespeople ever have a chance to breathe down your neck.<p>Joel Walsh, a freelance automotive writer recommends Auto Service Warranty, Inc. where you can get an <a href="http://www.autoservicewarranty.com/">auto extended warranty</a> quote online in seconds: http://www.AutoServiceWarranty.com/<p>
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