Hiring A Limousine

You can ride in just about any type of stretch limo for a lot less than you'd expect-- if you know how to drive a hard bargain. Steps: 1. Assess your finances. A standard limousine (four to six passengers) will set you back about $40 to $80 per hour; a stretch limo (six to eight passengers) runs slightly more--about $60 to $100 per hour. Both have an hourly minimum of four to five hours (although this is usually negotiable). For specialty limos such as a Mercedes, a Hummer or a superstretch (up to 22 passengers), costs can top out at $3,000 for the night. 2. Research, research, research. Be sure the limo operator is licensed and insured. Decide what type of limo you want (standard, stretch, superstretch or specialty) and for how long, based on the event and the number of people in your party. What are you looking for, whether it's a bar, stereo, TV and DVD player, video-gaming system, intercom, sunroof, Jacuzzi, or all of that and a bag of chips. Prices may or may not be posted online. You'll need to do some phone work to get the best deal. 3. Find out the year and make of the limo you'll be hiring, its condition, and the complimentary amenities before you give a deposit. Be sure the deposit is refundable if the limo doesn't meet with your satisfaction. Many limo companies will advertise one type of car and show up at your door with something entirely different. Most list photos of their limos on their Web sites. If quality is a top priority, plan a visit to the limo company and reserve the exact limo that suits your needs. 4. Hire a quality driver. This is crucial--a bad driver can ruin your evening. Make sure the drivers are experienced, professional and know the area. Provide an itinerary to the company beforehand so the driver knows where he or she is going and what to expect. When the driver shows up, be sure to communicate any special needs you have. 5. Ask whose responsibility it is to stock the limo with any necessary party favors ahead of time. Some companies will provide everything you need; others expect you to bring your own. Sometimes you can negotiate a lower rate if you offer to stock the bar yourself. 6. Find out if gratuities are included in the rate; regardless, you'll be expected to tip your driver, so try to keep it separate. Overall Tips: Make sure your limo is ample enough to fit everyone comfortably. If you have six passengers, get a car that accommodates eight. If you want premium liquor, negotiate that up front, or plan to bring your own. Ask if smoking (or other activities) is allowed. Even if it's not, most drivers will look the other way if the price is right. If it's truly a special occasion, don't be cheap. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for: Most higher-end limo companies have superior drivers, vehicles and accoutrements. Try to clear everything with your driver in advance. He or she is your captain for the evening and can be your best friend or worst nightmare. Overall Warnings: Make sure the limo company and their drivers are properly licensed and insured when making your reservation. This will ensure you are dealing with a reputable company.

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Highlights Of Hummer H3

Since 1992, a civilian model of the Army’s High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) – also known as the HUMVEE – was created, and the HUMMER M998 was born. After a decade of production, the HUMMER H2 was introduced in 2001 as the next stage of evolution of the first HUMMER or H1. And in the second quarter of 2005, the HUMMER evolved again, as the H3. You may wonder what the differences are between HUMMER H3 and its first two incarnations. For starters, the H3 is has a Vortec 3.5L inline cylinder engine that can give 220 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 225 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm. The HUMMER H3 gets approximately 20 MPG and comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission -- the first time buyers have had a choice. The HUMMER H3 also has 4-wheel drive with a fully locking rear differential. Underbody shielding, traction control, and GM’s StabiliTrak vehicle-stability enhancement system make it even more reliable and safe. The new HUMMER H3 can make it through 16 inches of water that’s flowing at 20 mph, or 24 inches of water running 5 mph. GM also claims the HUMMER H3 will climb 16-inch steps and rocks, and offers two kinds of tires – a Bridgestone 33-inch tire or a Goodyear 32-inch, all-terrain tire. Then there are the optional interior features – heated leather seats, front bucket seats and 60/40 split rear seats, an electric sliding sunroof, DVD-based navigation radio, four audio systems compatible with GM’s OnStar system and the XM satellite radio, power windows and door locks with lockout protection, an electric rear window defogger, outside power-adjustable manual folding rearview mirrors, a self-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature indicator, and three 12-volt, covered auxiliary power outlets, two located in front and one in the cargo area. HUMMER H3’s 4-wheel drive system is the Borg-Warner two-speed, electrically controlled, full-time 4-wheel drive system with a 2.64:1 ratio of low-range gear reduction; there's also an alternate version with a 4.03:1 ratio for the ultimate control on obstacle-climbing. Both versions have many operating modes for all driving situations. The HUMMER H3 has more off-road capabilities than the H1 and H2, with a 37-foot turning cycle, 9.1-inch ground clearance, a 25-degree maximum breakover angle when 33-inch tires are used, a maximum approach angle of 40 degrees and a maximum departure angle of 37 degrees. When it comes to frame and suspension, the HUMMER H3 has a modular three-piece frame for enhanced strength. The front is an independent torsion bar suspension, same as the rear, which uses semi-elliptical leaf springs. Standard equipment includes skid plates for protection of the steering links, and HUMMER offers optional chassis-bottled rocker panel protectors. The H3 features ABS traction control and breaking systems, and pinion steering with 17:1 ratio. Its anti-lock breaking system uses Dynamic Rear Proportioning to aid in controlling the rear breaking in panic-stop situations. Traction and controls of the H3 work in combination with the engine controls and breaking system to provide maximum traction with minimum wheel spin regardless of the conditions. The exterior highlights of the HUMMER H3; include a rear swing gate with fixed glass, plus a standard rear wiper and defogger. And, first ever from HUMMER, the H3 features a swing gate-mounted spare to maximize interior cargo space. The H3 also offers stamped-steel front and rear bumper bars, standard front tow hooks and welded-on rear bumper recovery hooks. The new HUMMER H3 is also loaded with safety features, including a reinforced passenger compartment safety cage; a fully welded, ladder-type frame to enhance crash performance and off-road capabilities; a standard front dual airbag system, optional rail-mounted, side-curtain air bags, daytime running lamps, remote keyless entry, battery rundown protection, an electronic tire pressure monitoring system and an anti-theft vehicle security system. The new HUMMER H3 may not create the same splash as the H1 and H2, but it's a vehicle that lets you maneuver in heavy city traffic and still has promising off-road capabilities.

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High Performance Doesn’t Mean High Price

When comparing high performance vs. standard replacement parts, it is of extreme importance to weigh performance and durability against value and cost. Long term costs of replacing OEM items with low-priced “budget” items or after-market replacement parts can, in many cases lead to higher consumer long-term costs. It can also lead to irreversible damage to primary and connected related systems. Obviously, if a replacement part is of lower quality and of shorter durability, it will need to be replaced more often. There are costs associated with the labor to replace these parts more often, as well as time lost for actually doing the work of replacing an automotive component. There are other "hidden" costs as well associated with this practice. They may not be costs in cold, hard cash out of pocket, but they are costly, nonetheless. A good example of this is simply shopping around for spark plug wires for my old Buick. I got in the habit of replacing the wires at least once a year, sometimes more if a problem arose. I go to the Internet and find several varieties of options online and I read the descriptions of what my choices are. They look like this: Description: Taylor Cable 69.95 8mm Street, Ignition Wire Set, Custom Fit, SST, Blue, Tin Coated Copper Braid, Non RFI, Blue Double Spring Locking Spark Plug Boots, High Temperature Rated To 550 Degrees, Competition Looks, GROUND SHIPPING ONLY Description: OEM 37.41 Premium Wire Set, Spark Plug Wire Set, OEM Fit And Quality 37.41 Description: Taylor Cable 29.95 8mm High Energy, Ignition Wire Set, Custom Fit, Blue, High Temperature, Oil Resistant, RFI Suppression, 100% Silicone Boot Ends, Double Spring Locks At Plugs, GROUND SHIPPING ONLY The first thing I notice is the huge difference in price, and like any good spendthrift, I am drawn to the cheapest spark plug wires available. Ignoring the statements about temperature ratings and RFI, I immediately think to myself, without any further research, I may want to buy the bargain set of wires. But then I think I want good wires, and the OEM brand is only eight dollars more. These are the spark plug wires that came with my vehicle, so they must be what I need. I buy them online for $37.41, have them shipped to my house and install them on my vehicle. I take my old car for a ride, to see how much better it is going to run with the new wires on it. I notice it doesn’t run any better, as a matter of fact, it now has a slight miss in the engine. So I turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and make sure everything is connected properly. The miss isn’t there anymore when I start the vehicle back up, so I am happy. I turn the radio on to listen to some tunes on the way back to the house, and I can hear the sound of my engine “running” on the radio, like a whining sound, drowning out a portion of the music. I get back to the house and look at the old wires I took off in favor of the new “original equipment” wires. They don’t look the same. The old ones look heavier and bigger. The next day, I start the car up and the “miss” is back, and the engine “whine” is still on the radio. Frustrated, I put the old wires back on the car and the problems go away. So I go back to my computer and look at custom and high performance plug wires for my old Buick, and here’s what I see: Spark Plug Wires Brand: Taylor Cable $108.95 8mm Street, Ignition Wire Set, Custom Fit, Full Metal Jacket, Black, RFI Suppression, Braided Stainless Covering To Polished Aluminum Covers Over Silicone Plug Boots, High Performance, Custom Appearance Spark Plug Wires Brand: Taylor Cable $25.95 8mm High Energy, Ignition Wire Set, Custom Fit, Blue, High Temperature, Oil Resistant, RFI Suppression, 100% Silicone Boot Ends, Double Spring Locks At Plugs Spark Plug Wires Brand: Accel $99.57 Custom Fit 300+ Race, Stainless Spark Plug Terminals, Complete EMI/RFI Suppression, 600F Temperature Resistance, More Spark Energy, More Power, Spark Plug Wire Set, 8.8mm, Wires Routed Over Valve Cover, Black This time, I do a little research to find out what I do not understand about the sales descriptions offered. Here is what I find out about the difference in spark plug wires: OEM wires generally rely on carbon conduction and are also used in the majority of stock replacement wires. This form of ignition wire is cheap to manufacture and generally provides adequate initial suppression for both RFI (radio frequency interference) and EMI (electromagnetic interference). The conduction portion is generally made of fiberglass or kevlar over which resistance conductive latex or sometimes silicone is layered over top. This reduces spark current to provide suppression. This works well while the conductor lasts, but it has a limited life. This type of conductor quickly fails if a high-powered ignition system is used. Temperature resistance is generally in the 550 degree F range. I also find out that EMI from OEM spark plug wires can cause incorrect signals to be sent to engine management systems and on-board electronic devices. This is why suppression is so important. It works the same way that RFI can cause unwanted signals to be heard on my radio receiver. Engine running problems like intermittent misses to a major loss in power loss can be the result. I also find out that the problem can get worse with age due to corrosion of the sensors and connectors. Also, high performance wires can protect in temperatures as high as 1000 degrees F. I went back to my Buick and looked at the ignition system. It had not been replaced by a high-powered ignition system. I ordered the Taylor custom 8.8-mm wires with RFI suppression for $25.57. $11.84 less than I paid for the OEM ignition wires. I installed them a few days later when they arrived and have had no problems at all. In fact, my gas mileage has increased and my responsive acceleration increased. I have had them on my Buick for two years now and they still perform as well as the day I put them on. Replacing with high performance automotive parts are generally considered upgrades and higher costs are associated with better quality and higher performance. As this exercise taught me, this is not always the case. Higher performance means value-added in the long-term. This relates to better customer satisfaction, better performance and durability, sometimes even less expense, but always a better value and a lot less hassle.

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High Gas Prices Inspire Con Artists

The high price of gasoline brings out the worst in some people. It also brings out the gullibility in others. A spate of rip-offs have been uncovered recently, all designed to take advantage of people's desperation to lower their fuel bills. Texas based company BioPerformance, Inc., was shut down in May for being an illegal pyramid scheme and marketing a "magic gas pill" that wasn't magic at all--unless moth balls are magic. Drawing on the desire for cheap gas at a time when gas prices are at record heights, BioPerformance claimed to have a "magic gas pill" that would increase fuel efficiency by 30% and reduce harmful emissions by half. In independent laboratory tests at the University of Texas and a university in Florida, the gas pills were discovered to be nothing but moth balls! Moth balls not only won't improve gas mileage, they can actually hurt your car's engine instead of helping it. Moth balls are also deadly to people, although the Bioperformance bottle claimed the pills were non-toxic. "These claims are bogus," said Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. "The pill does absolutely nothing to improve gas mileage. The company is merely a smokescreen to trigger the recruitment of more and more paying members into what appears to be an illegal pyramid scheme.” Along with promoting a product that is dangerous, BioPerformance was found to be an illegal pyramid scheme masquerading under the disguise of a multi-level marketing company. In legitimate multi-level marketing, profit comes from how much product a person sells; in illegal pyramid schemes, profit comes from recruiting more people into the program. According to the BioPerformance website, at the time the company was shut down, it had 4,500 members in Texas and $25 million in sales. All that was built in just five months, which goes to show how desperate people are to save money at the gas pump. You must be careful, there are very few product on the market today that will help you get better gas mileage. Bioperformance is one of the worst cases and fortunately, they've been put out of business and their owners are in serious legal trouble.

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High Gas Prices Bring Flood Of Bad Products

Title: High Gas Prices Bring Flood Of Bad Products Word Count: 338 Summary: In a world where gas prices are at record heights, there are lying scumbags who will take advantage of your desire to get more miles to the gallon. Lately there have been a flood of products on the market claiming to boost gas mileage, but very few of them actually work. First, there are fuel additives like the Platinum Gas Save and the BioPerformance pill. Neither works, and the BioPerformance pill has been proven to be nothing but moth balls, which are toxic. Then the... Keywords: fuel costs, gas prices, cheap gas, save money on gas Article Body: In a world where gas prices are at record heights, there are lying scumbags who will take advantage of your desire to get more miles to the gallon. Lately there have been a flood of products on the market claiming to boost gas mileage, but very few of them actually work. First, there are fuel additives like the Platinum Gas Save and the BioPerformance pill. Neither works, and the BioPerformance pill has been proven to be nothing but moth balls, which are toxic. Then there are the Fuel Genie and Tornado, which are mounted in the air flow meter of your car. They are supposed to affect the way air is sucked into the car, but have yet to be proven effective in improving mileage. However, altering the air flow of your car can make it overheat, possibly causing permanent damage. There is also the Predator and many similar knock-off products. The predator costs a hefty $400 and reprograms your car to ignite the fuel earlier, which makes the fuel burn longer. Though the initial aim is to increase horsepower, customers have reported getting better gas mileage as a happy side effect. And these products DO work like they say. But, they're risky. When the engine burns less fuel by this method, there is the risk of overheating it. Since the car is using less gas, it doesn't have the ability to cool itself properly. Again, this can cause your engine to overheat and perhaps even ruin it completely. No one want to save a few bucks on gas just to blow their engine! Many mechanics are wary of all these additives and gizmos. "Yeah, you might get a little better gas mileage out of it, but you might have just taken 50,000 miles of life off the motor by trying to do it," said Larry Perry, the Magic Mechanic radio host. The Environmental Protection Agency has been looking for and testing gas-saving products for over thirty years and has found very few that meet its standards. So be careful. In a world where gas prices are at record heights, there are lying scumbags who will take advantage of your desire to get more miles to the gallon. Lately there have been a flood of products on the market claiming to boost gas mileage, but very few of them actually work. First, there are fuel additives like the Platinum Gas Save and the BioPerformance pill. Neither works, and the BioPerformance pill has been proven to be nothing but moth balls, which are toxic. Then there are the Fuel Genie and Tornado, which are mounted in the air flow meter of your car. They are supposed to affect the way air is sucked into the car, but have yet to be proven effective in improving mileage. However, altering the air flow of your car can make it overheat, possibly causing permanent damage. There is also the Predator and many similar knock-off products. The predator costs a hefty $400 and reprograms your car to ignite the fuel earlier, which makes the fuel burn longer. Though the initial aim is to increase horsepower, customers have reported getting better gas mileage as a happy side effect. And these products DO work like they say. But, they're risky. When the engine burns less fuel by this method, there is the risk of overheating it. Since the car is using less gas, it doesn't have the ability to cool itself properly. Again, this can cause your engine to overheat and perhaps even ruin it completely. No one want to save a few bucks on gas just to blow their engine! Many mechanics are wary of all these additives and gizmos. "Yeah, you might get a little better gas mileage out of it, but you might have just taken 50,000 miles of life off the motor by trying to do it," said Larry Perry, the Magic Mechanic radio host. The Environmental Protection Agency has been looking for and testing gas-saving products for over thirty years and has found very few that meet its standards. So be careful.

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High Fuel Cost And What It Means To Our Everyday Lives

According to our recent poll, the rising cost of fuel has caused many families and individuals to restrain from driving habits that we've been so accustomed to. Before the fuel cost skyrocketed we wouldn't think twice about hopping in our car for a 50 or 60-mile trip, perhaps to a zoo or other recreational area for a leisurely Sunday outing with our families. But by the statements of those who responded to our poll, it appears that these leisurely drives are being limited or in some cases, families are simply staying home more. In order to combat his high fuel expense, M. Cooper from Saint Louis Mo, a consultant that drives 20,000 mile plus per year recently traded in his Ford Taurus for a new Honda Civic that gets 41mpg. Another consumer stated the fuel prices have drastically changed their life style, they've quit going out to dinner, going to the movies and even cancelled their vacation plans. What once cost him 42.00 to fill up his truck, now cost $110.00. We have a lot less money than we did before this all started. We've drastically reduced the amount of driving, only when necessary and have attempted to combine trips, we do not do any extra driving unless it is for school or work, so we stay home much more and do not have extra money NOW! Matt Downer from Downers Grove, Illinois seems to have at lease somewhat of a positive spin on the situation. I've become a lot more in shape because I walk everywhere or bike, I think it's a blessing in disguise, America is the most obese country in the world and maybe this will slim it down a bit, also a lot fewer fuel emissions if people don't drive the earth won't die. What ever your thoughts and opinions are for the recent climb in prices, I think it's clear that until the prices come down, the majority of the everyday working class people will be forced to continue to deprive themselves of even the most basic luxuries. While we can't control the price per gallon, we can at least follow a few basic guidelines and reduce our cost, albeit a minimum amount, but at $3.00 per gallon, even a minimum amount will help our pocketbooks. Listed below are UsedCarWise.Com's Top 10 tips for increasing your fuel mileage. 1. Set the tire pressure to the recommend psi as per the tire placard or label of your vehicle. (Always adjust tire pressure with cold tires) 2. Avoid excessive idling times, such as warming your car up in the mornings (It serves no purpose anyway) 3. Instead of going thru the drive thru at fast food chains, go inside to order. This will of course avoid excess idling while in line. 4. Remove any excessive weight from the trunk or bed of your truck (This doesn't include over weight spouses either) 5. Remove luggage racks for aerodynamic reasons. 6. Make sure the steering and suspension system end is aligned properly, a mis-aligned steering system will cause excessive drag and reduce fuel mileage. 7. Use Cruise Control while driving at highway speeds. 8. Reduce your speed by 5mph, this may be the biggest saver of all, and if you think about it, 5mph will not get you to your destination much quicker. (Just be prepared for 1 finger hello's and horn honkers) 9. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, especially the air filter. If your check engine light is on, have it corrected as soon as possible, it could be a defective sensor or other mechanical fault that will severely impact fuel mileage. Always use the proper grade of engine oil as well, the wrong grade can impact fuel mileage by 1% or more. 10. Avoid jackrabbit starts and aggressive driving habits. While the above tips may not be new, they certainly bear not just repeating, but adhering to as well. And with the cost of fuel at record highs, we need all the help we can muster.

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Helpful Tips For Buying A New Car

Buying a new car can be fun and exciting, but it can also be very stressful. After all, it is a very big decision. If you are organized, armed with knowledge, and understand the game, you’ll find the experience a lot more enjoyable so here are some tips for buying a new car. Start with the basics. Decide what type, size, and price range meets your needs; then move on to the details of the deal. The invoice price is what the dealer paid for the car, not including any incentives from the vehicle manufacturer. The sticker price is the price the dealer wants you to pay for that car, including any optional packages that may be on that particular vehicle. Find out the invoice cost of the car. This is the key to what type of deal you can get. Once you know what the dealer paid, you can better negotiate with the dealer. The dealer typically isn’t going to give you this information, so you’ll have to play detective and round it up yourself. You can easily get this information by spending less than $20 and calling the Consumer Reports New Car Price Service. It’s a good investment because it usually results in about a $1,200 savings. Now it’s time to get ready to bargain. Ask the salesperson to deal on their base markup over cost. Never bargain off the sticker price. You’ve got the invoice price and that’s what you bargain off of. What type of deal you can get depends a lot on supply and demand. If the car you are looking at is in high demand, but there aren’t a lot of them available you could end up paying the full sticker price. On other models, you could land up paying just $500 over invoice and that would be a good deal! Be wary of the “for just a few” game. It’s a game of up-selling for services and items you often don’t need – undercoating, fabric protection, rust proofing, windshield etching, extra warranties, etc. Some of these services are nice; but most aren’t needed. Be careful because they can very quickly add a couple thousand dollars to your costs. So don’t get caught up in the “for just a few dollars more you can have…” If you have a vehicle you are going to trade in, don’t disclose this information to the salesperson until the price of the new car has been established and agreed upon. That way the price you are given for your trade is the true amount that is being offered rather than some inflated figure on paper. Then you can decide if you really want to trade your vehicle in. Often, selling privately is a better choice. Keep your stress down by knowing what you want before you begin. When it comes time to get your financing in place know what size payment you are comfortable with and then work your terms to meet that payment size. Again, don’t get caught in the up-sell game. These tips for buying a new car will have you smiling and relaxed through the entire buying process.

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