Topic: Cars and Car Design

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Top 10 most expensive car repair mistakes

Better built cars and an uncertain economy mean that Americans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever and are doing more of their own repairs. Nearly half of those who already do their own auto repairs say they are doing more of them themselves this year; 3 in 4 of those who rely on a mechanic say that economic conditions are making them more likely to attempt their own repairs, according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com. But there are mistakes that even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfers can make. Whether you like to go under the hood or take your vehicle to the shop, here are 10 expensive repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid:
10 great summer cars

Wind in your hair, sun in your face – the summer drive is as classic a pastime as barbecues and baseball. For dedicated sun-seekers, the right machine can make all the difference, and since most of us can’t afford the demi-convertible Maybach Landaulet limousine, here are 10 fun-loving new models sure to keep a summer smile on your face. Climb into one of these this season, and you’ll be happy to keep driving duties for yourself.
Earth Day: Five ways we affect the planet

The late Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D) of Wisconsin organized the first Earth Day in 1970 after the devastating oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif. The event started as an environmental teach-in, with some 20 million Americans taking part on college campuses across the United States. Today, 500 million people in 175 countries observe Earth Day on April 22 as a way to celebrate the natural world and raise awareness of the environment. How much do humans affect the earth? Click below to find out.
High gas prices: what presidential candidates say they'll do about it

Gas prices jumped 30 cents a gallon in February, and Republicans are blaming President Obama for not having a policy fix. Here's what Mr. Obama and the GOP presidential aspirants are saying on the campaign trail lately about their remedy for high gas prices.
Top 10 cities where house prices are rising

House prices continue to fall nationwide, but here and there they’ve begun to turn up as Americans return to the housing market. Which 10 metropolitan areas have seen the biggest increase in the past year? The winners, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), include a state capital, a furniture-making center, and a resort that was once America’s foreclosure capital. Can you guess who they are?

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In Gear
Nissan electric vehicle: Van to be built in Spain. NYC next?

Nissan electric vehicle to be built in Barcelona will be a 100 percent electric delivery van. The Nissan electric vehicle will be the company's second, following the Leaf.
Top 10 most expensive car repair mistakes

Better built cars and an uncertain economy mean that Americans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever and are doing more of their own repairs. Nearly half of those who already do their own auto repairs say they are doing more of them themselves this year; 3 in 4 of those who rely on a mechanic say that economic conditions are making them more likely to attempt their own repairs, according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com. But there are mistakes that even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfers can make. Whether you like to go under the hood or take your vehicle to the shop, here are 10 expensive repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid:
In Gear
Considering a plug-in, electric car? Consider your lifestyle.

Buying a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle is more than just buying a car. It's choosing a lifestyle.
In Gear
Latest idea from Apple: an in-car remote

Apple has filed a patent for an iPod-like clickwheel mounted on the steering wheel. In-car remote would let drivers change songs, playlists, or Internet radio stations. 
In Gear
Do hybrids save money? Website lets you calculate it.

Hybrids cost more upfront but are cheaper to operate than nonhybrids. The federal government has launched FuelEconomy.gov so consumers can calculate the payback period for buying a hybrid.
In Gear
Honda recall: Acura TL sedans have potential fluid leak

Honda recall involves nearly 53,000 Acuras from 2007 and 2008. Deteriorating power-steering hoses sparked the Honda recall.
Honda recall involves 53,000 Acura TL sedans

Honda recall of nearly 53,000 sedans in the US is due to a problem with power steering hoses. Acura sedans from 2007 and 2008 are part of the Honda recall.
In Gear
Ferrari damages ancient wall in China. Tire marks. Red faces.

Ferrari damages ancient wall in ill-conceived PR stunt. After the Ferrari damages ancient wall in Nanjing, Italian carmaker apologizes. Chinese unable to remove burnt rubber residue.
10 great summer cars

Wind in your hair, sun in your face – the summer drive is as classic a pastime as barbecues and baseball. For dedicated sun-seekers, the right machine can make all the difference, and since most of us can’t afford the demi-convertible Maybach Landaulet limousine, here are 10 fun-loving new models sure to keep a summer smile on your face. Climb into one of these this season, and you’ll be happy to keep driving duties for yourself.
In Gear
Buying a car, college grad? Don’t forget the rebates.

Most major automakers offer discounts to college grads. All college grads need to do is read the fine print. 
In Gear
Would you pay $849,000 to park your car in a garage?

In London, you can. A London real estate agency is offering city-dwellers a two-car garage for £525,000.
In Gear
Dodge Dart: high-mileage Aero coming in a few months

Dodge Dart Aero will start at $16,000 and get at least 41 miles per gallon on the highway. But fuel ratings for Dodge Darts with automatic transmissions have not been revealed. 
In Gear
Why I bought a Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf will save $1,000 a year in fuel bills. But the real reason I bought one? 9/11.
In Gear
Electric-car sales fall in April

Nissan Leaf sees biggest fall, with only 370 cars sold. Prius plug-in hybrids see biggest sales, with more than 1,600 sold in April. 
In Gear
Mercedes-Benz poised to become No. 2 luxury automaker?

Mercedes-Benz has plans to launch new small cars over the next few years in its battle to overtake Audi for second place behind BMW. A new German report suggests Mercedes-Benz can accomplish it by 2015.
Earth Day: Five ways we affect the planet

The late Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D) of Wisconsin organized the first Earth Day in 1970 after the devastating oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif. The event started as an environmental teach-in, with some 20 million Americans taking part on college campuses across the United States. Today, 500 million people in 175 countries observe Earth Day on April 22 as a way to celebrate the natural world and raise awareness of the environment. How much do humans affect the earth? Click below to find out.
Electric cars: Big climate aid in L.A., but not Wichita

Electric cars benefit the climate depending on where they're plugged in. In some cities, electric cars do no better than high-mileage gasoline-powered cars.
Are EVs worth it? Study helps calculate savings on emissions, fuel.

How much an EV saves on fuel or cuts greenhouse gas emissions depends on many variables, including gas prices and whether the local electric grid is fed mainly by coal power. The Union of Concerned Scientists helps out with the calculations.
GM: Explosion at battery research facility ‘unrelated to the Chevrolet Volt’

One person was hurt at the GM research site in Michigan during ‘extreme testing on a prototype battery’ unrelated to the Volt ‘or any other production vehicle,’ the company said.
Car recalls: Ford Focus is latest. Is yours on the list?

Car recalls now include Ford Focus manufactured between August 2010 and October 2011. Ford recall involves windshield-wiper motor defect.
The Simple Dollar
For long road trips, is it cheaper to rent?

It depends on many factors, but a rental car may ultimately cheaper than using your own for a long trip.
Lincoln MKZ: hybrid option, navigation, glass roof

Lincoln MKZ sports an optional retractable glass roof to try to lure back drivers to the luxury brand. Lincoln MKZ is first Lincoln to have dedicated design team since the 1970s.
BMW recall affects 1.3 million cars. Is yours on the list?

BMW recall involves all 5- and 6-Series BMWs manufactured between 2003 and 2010, which may have an electrical problem. The BMW recall is almost as big as the company's worldwide sales last year.
Why are used cars so expensive?

Late-model used cars are in short supply, jacking up the price. Some cars, like the Mazda CX-9 Touring SUV, are cheaper new than used.
High gas prices: what presidential candidates say they'll do about it

Gas prices jumped 30 cents a gallon in February, and Republicans are blaming President Obama for not having a policy fix. Here's what Mr. Obama and the GOP presidential aspirants are saying on the campaign trail lately about their remedy for high gas prices.