The 2011 Dodge Durango is a lot slimmer than the old one. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

One of the notable absences from the SUV market has been the Dodge Durango. The SUV that was halfway between mid-size and full-size and had full size power was a very popular model, and Dodge promised a redesign. The new Dodge Durango got a little more than just a face lift, as Chrysler is in a bit of a rebuilding phase. The 2011 Durango will be more of a crossover SUV and fill the gap between huge Suburbans and mid-size Explorers. Jeep has some models that are going extinct soon, and Chrysler cannot afford to miss the crossover craze.

The Durango is back

The Dodge Durango was not produced for more than a year, as Chrysler decided to take the three-quarter size SUV back to the drawing board. The SUV that replaced the RamCharger was a popular item when it was being made. The niche it filled was that it offered the cargo space and seating to compete with minivans, as it sat three rows of people, yet wasn’t nearly as cumbersome as larger SUVs such as the Suburban, Tahoe, Excursion, Expedition or the Hummer. Under the hood, it was all Dodge. It was a workhorse equally equipped for ferrying kids between school and soccer and tackling off road duties.

New look

The Dodge Durango has been scaled down. It will be more of a crossover SUV, according to the New York Times. That doesn’t mean that Dodge is skimping on the horsepower, though. The 2011 Durango will come with a stock 290 horsepower 3.6 liter V6, or optional 360 hp 5.7 liter V8. The V8 will have an efficiency system, which shuts down 4 of the 8 cylinders while not needed. Three 2011 Dodge Durangos will be on display at the Dodge Rock N Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon.

Chrysler making some changes

The other two brands besides Chrysler, being Dodge and Jeep, will all be getting new cars soon, based on Fiat models as a result of the Chrysler-Fiat merger. Jeep is shedding the Patriot and the Compass, as those models aren’t selling well. Chrysler would do well to make as big a splash in the crossover market as it can.

Sources

New York Times

Foggy headlights can cause lamp failure or, in the worst cases, accidents. (Photo Credit: CC BY-ND/Dave Linger/Flickr)

If you’re driving at night with fogged over or dirty headlights, you’re risking the possibility of not seeing an obstacle in the road. That can spell a serious accident. Not only that, but if condensation and grime are allowed to sit inside a headlight for a long period of time, the possibility for headlight failure increases. This increases the likelihood of getting a “fix it” ticket from your friendly neighborhood state trooper. Thankfully, it isn’t difficult to deal with this small problem before it becomes a larger one.

Foggy headlights are inevitable

Water enters into the headlight assembly of any car, writes Popular Mechanics. When the mercury falls, the surfaces of your vehicle collect water condensation. That same cool moisture gets into the headlamp mechanism, which is vented to compensate for pressure differences so that cracking doesn’t occur. Generally, when morning temperatures rise, the moisture inside the headlights evaporates. But if it doesn’t – let’s say your car is parked in a shady spot or parking structure – some action may be necessary.

Here’s what you do with foggy headlights

If you have a fancy car, just hit the headlamp defogger button. But let’s assume you’re like the rest of us.

Popular Mechanics’ first suggestion is that car owners do some research to see if a Technical Service Bulletin exists for their make and model of vehicle. That bulletin will reveal whether there is an upgrade available to replace the factory headlight housing (which is generally cheap and inefficient at venting the lighting unit).

If there is no upgrade available, then it’s time for some simple remedies. If there’s only a small amount of condensation inside the headlight fixture, leave the headlights on while you drive for a couple of hours. It’s a great excuse to take the scenic route. If there’s more water in there than a few drops, taking out the headlight fixture may be a good idea. Watch for mud, wasps and spiders while you’re in there cleaning up. Dump the water and critters, add some rubbing alcohol to the housing to clean the surfaces, then let the whole thing dry for a couple of hours in the sun before re-insertion. Finally, Popular Mechanics suggests that you park your car facing south whenever possible to help reduce the amount of condensation that accumulates.

At Car Deal Expert, we accumulate good deals on auto loans

Sources:

Popular Mechanics

Using toothpaste on your headlights

The Hummer may have gone the way of the dodo, but even a greener lineup can't keep G.M. sales up. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The Big Three domestic automakers have been desperate to recapture the market share from foreign auto firms. Since the recession began, all three firms have been trying to boost the bottom line and get more people buying American again. The auto rebate offered by the government for buying more fuel efficient vehicles helped. General Motors saw improved sales, assisted by the Cash for Clunkers program, but by August 2009, GM sales have slowed. Consumer confidence is down across nearly all categories of goods, including real estate.

GM sales drop off over summer

General Motors has returned to profitability and is close to filing for an Initial Public Offering and paying off the portion the company owes for the auto bailout. However, the expiration of the Cash for Clunkers auto rebate credit has led to a drastic decrease in sales over this summer. GM sales have dropped 25 percent since August 2009, according to the New York Times. A decline in sales, though, was somewhat anticipated. General Motors did shutter or sell all but four of the brands the company makes. It is anticipated that consumers have been waiting for Labor Day sales to get better prices.

Ford had a drop in sales too

Along with General Motors, Ford sold fewer cars over the August 2009 to August 2010 period. Both automakers were likely helped by consumers — who could afford to or had access to credit — buying more fuel efficient vehicles and taking advantage of the tax rebate. Ford sales over the last year fell 11 percent. However, Chrysler actually increased sales by 7 percent. Auto sales are at the lowest levels in decades. Last year, the auto industry sold 10.4 million cars, and this year’s sales are expected to crack 11 million. The seasonally adjusted sales rate for August 2010 was 11.5 million, though August 2009 was 14.1 million.

Consumer confidence

There isn’t an industry not affected by consumer confidence right now. Real estate is abysmal, but the auto industry is slowly improving. New green vehicles are expected to sell fairly well, but unless more people feel safe enough to buy a new Dodge, Ford or Chevy, sales are going to be sluggish at best for some time.

Further Reading

New York Times

Want a new Dodge in the Northwest? Look no further than Dave Smith Motors. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

There are few names bigger than Dave Smith Motors for car dealerships in the Inland Northwest, especially for Washington, North Idaho and Montana. Dave Smith Motors, in Kellogg, Idaho, is probably the best place to go for a new Chevrolet or new Chrysler, Jeep, and especially for a new Dodge. Dave Smith is after all the largest Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler dealer anywhere. Whether it’s a new or used Dodge, Dodge cars or Dodge Trucks, you aren’t going to find a better selection than at Dave Smith Motors.

None bigger than Dave Smith Motors

For a long time, Dave Smith Motors has held a reputation as being the largest Dodge dealer in the world. Aside from the abundant Dave Smith Dodge selection, Dave Smith Motors is the top GM dealer for the Pacific Northwest as well. There is often more than 1,000 vehicles in inventory, new and used, available on the lot. Dodge Smith Motors has its own financing services on site, as well as a full service station and more Mopar accessories than you can shake a stick at. Just about any vehicle buyers from Idaho, Montana or Washington could be interested in is at Dave Smith Motors. They are located at 210 N Division, Kellogg ID, 83837. Kellogg is about 40 miles east of Coeur d’Alene, and only 20 miles from the Montana border.

Dodge City

Although there is also a generous selection of GM vehicles, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac cars and trucks to choose from, Dave Smith Motors does have a long tradition of being the outstanding Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler dealer. Just about anything Dodge can be found there. Whether new or used Dodge cars and new or used Dodge trucks are what you are looking for, Dave Smith has a better chance of having it than any other dealer in the tri-state area. A Dodge Ram pickup, or brand new Dodge Challenger or Dodge Charger, or a new Jeep Rubicon; whatever it is that you’re looking for.

Hard to find a bigger dealer

It isn’t easy to find any dealership as large as Dave Smith Motors in the Pacific Northwest, and definitely not one with as wide a selection. All the accessories you could need are usually available on site, so why go anywhere else for a new Dodge?

Further Reading

Dave Smith Motors

Living on easy street – auto loan delinquencies are on the wane. (Photo Credit: ThinkStock)

Those auto industry experts who see the glass as half empty when it comes to the recession may need to consider a change of tune, reports the Wall Street Journal. That’s because a TransUnion study has indicated that delinquency rates for consumer auto loans that are at least 60 days past due decreased significantly in the second quarter of 2010. This welcome sign of recovery was a nice addition to TransUnion’s previous finding that the number of credit card delinquencies had also waned.

Buyers who become savers slow the turnaround

Fewer consumers have been willing to plunk down their incredible shrinking dollars on big ticket purchases like automobiles, which has been less than stimulating for prospects of an economic turnaround. Yet it has been a positive for auto loan repayment habits, says Peter Turek of TransUnion. “Although part of the reason for the turnaround in delinquency rates is the influence of new, lower risk loans, consumers do not see a quick fix to the short-term economic and employment situation,” he said.

A 20 percent improvement from 2010′s first quarter

The auto loan delinquency rate drop for delinquencies of 60 days or more fell to 0.53 percent, which constitutes a 20 percent decrease from 2010′s first quarter. It’s the largest decrease since the summer of 2001, writes the Journal. Rhode Island, Montana and Utah were the only states to show an increase in the 60-day delinquency rate, while Vermont was the biggest loser. The Maple Syrup state experienced nearly a 50 percent drop, from 1 percent to 0.58 percent. In the category of “It’s expensive to live in paradise,” Hawaii showed the greatest drop in the origination of auto loans. Milking old cars for everything they’re worth is probably less expensive than buying a gallon of milk in Hawaii, anyway.

In spite of the good news, TransUnion’s experts predict a 0.6 percent increase in delinquency by the fourth quarter. The probable cause would be the anticipated weight of holiday spending.

Sources:

Wall Street Journal

New fuel economy stickers might reveal how much you stand to save at the pump. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The Obama administration is working with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation on implementing a change in what people read into fuel economy stickers at dealerships. There are two new versions of fuel economy stickers to choose from, and people are encouraged to go to an Environmental Protection Agency website to choose which they prefer. Vehicles at dealerships will display either a letter grade rating or the average miles per gallon, along with environmental impact ratings. Emission standards have been of some concern lately, and that is what the new labels will reflect.

New fuel economy stickers proposed

Recently, the Obama administration started work on creating new fuel economy and environmental impact label for cars and trucks for sale at dealerships. Two designs are available to choose from, and input from the general public is desired. According to the Wall Street Journal, the new stickers, meant for showroom floors at dealerships, are meant to reflect the environmental impact from emissions. The new stickers are also intended to demonstrate savings compared with similar models thanks to fuel economy.

Get out the Volt

The new car stickers make it easier to put hybrid cars and electric cars in perspective against traditional cars, according to USA Today. The plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt and the all-electric Nissan Leaf are two hotly awaited green cars. One design of the new fuel economy stickers will be a letter grade, derived from environmental impact and fuel economy. (Low emissions and high miles per gallon mean a better grade.) The other will feature combined city and highway miles per gallon, estimated annual fuel cost and how well the car model in question stacks against the best and worst of its class. For instance, a Chevy Suburban will rate low and a Ford Escape Hybrid will rate higher.

Looking for input

The Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency and the White House all would like your input. Concerned citizens can go to the EPA website concerning the stickers and leave their thoughts, which can be accessed by clicking the link to the EPA’s website below.

Further Reading

Wall Street Journal

USA Today

EPA Fuel Economy label website

A 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI (Photo Credit: CC /Mike Musto/RideLust)

Getting your money’s worth when it comes to purchasing a used car can be a tricky proposition. Older vehicles may be cheaper up front, but they may not give you the fuel economy of a newer car and may require more frequent repairs. However, there are some gems to be found out there that give consumers economy, dependability and engine performance. Thanks to Popular Mechanics, here are some suggestions for finding fun, affordable used cars that cost less than $3,000. Think mid-to-late 1980s, perhaps the early 1990s. Look for them when you search online and visit your local dealers.

The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI is boxy fun

Good handling and maneuverability plus the economy of a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder fuel-injected engine bring fans of the Volkswagen Rabbit to the table. However, the surprising power the 90-hp engine directs to the wheels makes the Rabbit sassy fun all-around. VW made these from 1983 through 1985.

BMW E30 3 Series: Well balanced, with horses

Finding a 3 Series from between 1984 and 1991 may be a challenge as Popular Mechanics indicates, but the payoff is satisfying. A six-cylinder brings 168 horses in the “i” variation, which means real performance. Most of the 3 Series are rear-wheel drive, but AWD models are also available, but they’ll cost you at least $5,000. The real highlights of this German engineering is a well-balanced frame that aids the handling and lots of cabin space.

Toyota MR2: a car that goes boom

The year is 1985. Start with a 112-hp DOHC engine that can hit 7,500 rpm, and you know you have some power in your Toyota MR2. Add small size and smooth shifting, and you have a mini adventure whether you’re headed for the grocery store or on the highway. Three years later, Toyota added a supercharger that upped the horsepower to 145. Small cars in 1988 never had it so good.

Jeep Wrangler: wrangle some off-road adventure

From 1987 to 1995, the Jeep Wrangler YJ 4WD is great for off-road excursions, so long as potential buyers watch out for rust. That’s what happens when mudders are “ridden hard and put away wet,” says Popular Mechanics. This model was available in 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder and 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder.

Pontiac Fiero: First mid-engine car in America

The two-passenger Fiero coupe was built from 1984 to 1988, and it boasted America’s first mid-engine design. It’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was up to the task of 40 mpg, which gives any modern hybrid a run for its money. By 1988, sports car suspension and four-wheel vented disc brakes brought Fiero to the mountaintop of quality, but GM discontinued the Fiero immediately following that high point.

Mazda Miata: ‘The Gold Standard’

In Popular Mechanics’ estimation, the Mazda Miata of 1989-1994 is the most fun you can have with a used car for $3,000. Mazda made lots of them, so consumers can find them with low mileage. Shifting is crisp, and the body is tough. Plus, the 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine provides admirable fuel economy.

Car Deal Expert can help you find used car loans

Sources:

Popular Mechanics

Formula One driver Mark Webber road tests cheap cars

Looking for a new Chevy Camaro in the Atlanta area? Try Terry Cullen Chevrolet. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

If you’re looking for a Chevy in Atlanta, especially in the Jonesboro area, you might want to look at Terry Cullen Chevrolet. The dealership has a great array of current Chevy cars, including some of the most popular models. There are discounts available for those qualify, and there is a great selection of used cars as well. So if you’re looking for a new Chevrolet, Terry Cullen is the place to go for new cars. Financing is available on site, so there is new car credit available as well.

Terry Cullen Chevrolet

Terry Cullen Chevrolet is a great place to go for a new Chevy. For those who live in the Jonesboro area near Atlanta, the dealership is located across the way from Sam’s Club, at 1250 Battlecreek Road, Jonesboro, GA, 30236. If you’re looking to buy a new car, whether you’re interested in new cars, or used cars, it’s the place to go. There is also new car credit if you need help financing a car, if its new or used car financing. Just about everything you need for getting a new or used Chevrolet is available at Terry Cullen Chevrolet.

New or used cars available

There is a lot of inventory at Terry Cullen Chevrolet, including new and used vehicles. It has just about every model Chevy offers, including a large Chevy truck selection. There are also plenty of units of the Chevy Camaro, Chevy Equinox, Chevy Malibu, Chevy Impala and Chevy Tahoe. There are plenty of used cars to look at as well, including pre-owned Chevy cars and trucks, as well as other General Motors vehicles. Terry Cullen Chevrolet also has a complete service station on site, in case you need Chevy parts or a tune-up. The dealership is the total package.

Now is the time to buy

GM, and especially Chevy, is looking to move as many cars as possible. Right now is the time to jump on the opportunity, and there are military discounts, GM Credit Union discounts and discounts available for recent college graduates. If you’re looking for a new or used Chevy in the Atlanta area, you should look up Terry Cullen Chevrolet.

Also look at

Terry Cullen Chevrolet

Don't just change your engine oil with any oil weight and grade. Follow manufacturer specs, with an eye toward weather. (Photo Credit: CC BY-SA/Dvortygirl/Wikipedia)

You know it’s important to change your engine oil at regular intervals. In general, the older the vehicle, the more often the motor oil should be changed. However, what do the numbers and letters listed on that container of engine oil actually mean? With assistance from The Engine Oil Bible, Car Deal Expert helps you choose the right motor oil for your car.

Why your engine oil needs regular changing

Engine oil lubricates the metal surfaces of your car’s engine. Without proper lubrication, friction buildup causes the parts to grind together and tear apart during the transfer of heat from the combustion cycle. Oil also helps clean away the chemical by-products of the combustion process and minimizes oxidation. Throughout this process, it becomes dirty and thins out, hence the need for regular replacement.

What the numbers and letters mean

Consumer motor oil is divided into three types: fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral (standard) oil. Take 5W-30 motor oil, for instance. It’s a semi-synthetic blend. The number before the W is the “cold” viscosity rating of the oil, while the latter number is the “hot” viscosity rating. The lower the cold number (W stands for “winter”), the easier it is for your car’s engine to turn over when you attempt to start the car in cold climates.

Mineral oil is cheapest

Standard motor oil is effective at protecting your engine. It’s also cheaper than semi-synthetic and synthetic oil. However, it must be changed more often, as it becomes dirty and thins out more quickly.

Semi-synthetic motor oils are derived from standard oil

Semi-synthetic motor oil is closely related to standard mineral motor oil. Semi-synthetics are primarily made of polyalpholifins, writes The Engine Oil Bible. That comes from “the purest part of the mineral oil refraction process.” Thus, semi-synthetic can be mixed with standard motor oil without causing the car’s engine to seize.

Pure synthetics for heavy gearboxes

Pure synthetic oils (aka polyalkyleneglycols) are most often used for industrial purposes in vehicles with heavily loaded gearboxes. It’s high-performance stuff. Finely tuned via molecular recombination, fully synthetic motor oil can’t mix with other oils. For consumers who wish to use pure synthetic oil in their engines, said engines should be newer and in fully working order – clean with no leaks. Pure synthetics tend to break off engine deposits and leave them floating in the engine. The Engine Oil Bible suggests that once you go synthetic, you don’t go back to mineral unless you know what you’re doing.

Go with quality, lightweight oil

Choose engine oil that meets the demands of your environment. Modern engines function well with lighter, thinner oils. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and ask for the opinion of a trusted mechanic.

Sources:

The Engine Oil Bible

A quick rundown of synthetic vs. regular motor oil

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is being investigated by the NHTSA. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

A federal investigation has been launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The subject of the investigation will be older models of the Jeep Grand Cherokees. The number of possibly affected vehicles numbers more than 3 million. The investigation was touched off by a petition from the Center for Auto Safety, over concerns of faulty and dangerous design of the popular SUVs. It is posited that Jeep Grand Cherokees, from more than 10 model years, have a defective fuel system that can pose a serious fire hazard.

Jeep Grand Cherokees’ alleged bad design

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into a possible flaw in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to CNN. The vehicles in question are from model years 1993 to 2004. The Center for Auto Safety says that the design of the fuel tank poses a serious fire hazard. There have been 172 crashes involving a fire, resulting in 254 deaths in Jeep Grand Cherokees. Chrysler insisted the Cherokee was completely safe.

Problem possibly due to bad gas tank

The defect in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the design of the plastic fuel tank. The tank is mounted below the rear bumper and behind the rear axle. This, according to the Ralph Nader-founded CAS, makes the gas tank’s neck susceptible to rupture in rear end collisions and greater risk of fire. According to ABC, the NHTSA has identified 44 crashes where vehicles catching fire caused more damage than the actual crash. There were 55 deaths in which the fire was fatal when injuries caused by crashes would not have been. There were 10 crashes where fires were involved and 13 deaths believed to be due to the vehicle being rear ended.

Pinto all over again

Jeep has offered a skid plate as an option for the Grand Cherokee that covers the fuel tank, but only as an add-on for off-road driving. A brush guard was added in 1999. In 2005, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was redesigned with the fuel tank moved to the middle of the vehicle. Though the problem is not the same in many respects, the greater risk to the top of the tank being sheared off is similar to the defect in the fuel tank of the Ford Pinto.

Further Reading

CBS

CNN