A Guide to Selecting Trucks

A pickup benefits range from more cargo-carrying flexibility than any other type of vehicle to having a large payload capacity and good towing ability.  When shopping for a truck, the number of configurations can be overwhelming. Trucks are available in many different variations, from bed size, to passenger capacity, to towing power, to different interiors.  Many truck owners are loyal to their brand, but for those who are considering some options here are some factors to consider.

Powertrain: The base engine for compact pickups is usually a four-cylinder engine, which is the most fuel-efficient. The base engine for a full-sized truck is typically a V6, which provides a good balance between power and fuel economy. For heavy hauling or towing the engine range should be V8, V10, or a diesel engine. By knowing what you will be using the truck for will help with this decision.

Bed lengths/cargo capacity: Trucks often come in short bed or long bed versions and range from a full-sized 8-foot version on down.  A truck with a longer bed is more difficult to maneuver in tight situations.  But if the truck is used for, say construction work purposes, you will likely need the longer bed.

Cabin Dimensions: Regular cabs may be  the least expensive, but have no rear seat and very little in-cabin storage room. Extended cabs provide extra room behind the front seats, as well as two small rear seats that are best suited for children on short drives.  Crew-cab trucks have four regular-sized doors and two full rows of seats, which can seat five people in relative comfort.

Towing: Before you select a truck, you must have a general idea of what, if any, type of towing you will be doing. Towing abilities range from 4,000 pounds on a compact pickup to 9,000 pounds on the largest versions.

Safety features
: All new trucks will have standard dual front air bags and three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions. Some pickups offer side air bags and head-protection bags. Some offer electronic stability control (ESC), which helps keep the vehicle from rollover. Other safety features to look for include antilock brakes, traction control, rear back-up alert systems, and safety-belt pretensioners.

Keeping Resale Value Up, and Ownership Costs Down

There are many costs that come along with owning a vehicle that we have no control over: these include things such as fuel, repairs and insurance rates.  But there is one factor that can help keep the cost of owning a vehicle less expensive: making your car last longer and maintaining its value. There are ways to keep your current car running great and looking sharp.  Here are some tips to do this:

Regular Checkups: Finding a repair shop and mechanic you trust helps extend the life of your vehicle, as you are more likely to take it in for proper tune ups if you feel comfortable at the shop. A good mechanic will also get to know your car and look over it the same way every time.

Exterior Care:  Taking care of the exterior of your car by regularly washing and waxing it is very important. The interior should be regularly cleaned too.  Appearance of a vehicle is just as important as its mecancial aspects.

Drive Efficiently: The way you drive has an effect on how long your car — and your gas — will last. This means avoiding revving the engine out of a stop and slamming on the brakes every time you come to a light. If you gain good driving habits you will save wear and tear, and also fuel.

Keep it Covered: If possible, keep your car in a garage, carport, or cover.  The sun can do damage over time and things such as tree sap on your vehicle can damage the paint.

Tire Pressure: Correct inflation pressure is key for safety, good fuel consumption, and avoiding damage to the car.  It is easy and cost very little to check the pressure and add air if necessary.

Filters and Oil: The car’s oil and oil filter should be checked and changed on a regular basis.  Other fluids and filters also need regular maintenance. Changing your air filter helps your car breathe easier and the engine last longer.

The most expensive cost of owning a vehicle is having to buy a new one.  To avoid this, spend some time inspecting your car every now and then. Check to see if the tires are wearing unevenly. Open the hood and check out the hoses. Make sure all the lights are working. The few minutes it takes are worth it. Keeping your car maintained will not only make it last longer but also will make it much more pleasant to drive — which will make you want to take better care of it. Taking care of your car will also increase the resale value – just another added bonus.

The New Jaguar XJ: Three Days Away

The full unveiling of the redesigned 2010 Jaguar XJ will occur on July 9. The all-new XJ is the first car to feature the next-generation of Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminum body architecture and features a panoramic glass roof. Although the new car is based on the XJ’s existing aluminum structure, much of the engineering is new to the car, if not to Jaguar. The rear structure, for example, has been re-engineered to house the electronic differential first seen in the recently revised XKR, and there are also changes to the front subframe to sharpen steering and improve the ride. It’s likely that the air suspension system will be retained, although it will react considerably faster for an even more cosseting ride, but not to the detriment of Jaguar’s hallmark handling dynamics.

The powertrain lineup will follow that of the latest XF and XK update, with Jaguar’s new range of V-8 engines in both normally aspirated and supercharged forms. With the supercharged engine giving more than 500 bhp and a curb weight of around 3750 lb. Word also has it that a new twin-turbodiesel model, important for European markets, will be a class beater in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. The interior will further develop the modern themes first seen in the XF, so expect to see contemporary veneers and leather finishes as well as more traditional options and sporty carbon and aluminum variants.