Advantages of going Green with Automobiles

Today more companies are deciding to make the transition to produce electrical and hybrid version of their vehicles. Many people are also jumping on the bandwagon of not only saving money for themselves, but lessening the carbon footprint they are leaving behind. Here’s a look as to why making the switch to an eco-friendly automobile could be a smart choice.

Financially:

·      If you buy a new eco-friendly car, you may be eligible for as much as $3,000 as a tax credit. However, this does not necessarily apply to every brand and type of hybrid vehicle.

·      Your insurance company may offer lower rates on some eco friendly automobiles.

·      Your wallet will be thanking you. By switching to an electric powered or hybrid vehicle you will be saving and spending half as much on fuel or none at all.

Environmentally:

·      By eliminating the use of fuel it will lead to less pollution and will reduce harmful effects on the environment.

·      Using less or no oil at all limits the amount of carbon emissions that are released into the air and helps to have a lesser a chance of polluting water and land sources.

Car costs:

·      Most of the green vehicles are more fuel efficient in comparison to standard gas powered vehicles. By making the switch you will be sure to see a major improvement in your gas mileage.

·      Not only will you be saving on the road, but also limiting the amount of time your car needs to be spend in the shop.  Eco friendly vehicles are built differently in regards to handling and operating causing less maintenance.    

Making the switch seems like a smart choice to and beneficial financially and environmentally in the long run.

The Age Old Question: Manual or Automatic

Hm…that’s what comes to mind when you’re posed with this question.  Manual…you begin to ponder, imagining yourself as a speed demon.  You’re Evil Knievel reincarnate as your car reaches gut-wrenching speeds, your hand fixated on your gearshift as you weave through traffic.  Picturing Automatic is another animal.  You can enjoy the relaxation of not shifting gears, leaving more focus to the road and your surroundings.  The car ride is less work on your skills and more about maintaining a smooth ride.  So, when posed with the question of Manual Vs. Auto, which is better?  In today’s blog we discuss the differences and let YOU decide…

Manual

If you’re in search of power, Manual transmission is definitely the way to go.  For example, an automatic equipped Dodge Neon has a reported 0-60 MPH time of approximately 10.5 seconds.  The same Neon when equipped with a 5-speed manual has a reported 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds; a huge difference.  The acceleration offered from a vehicle with a manual transmission is usually higher, because of the precise shifting the car encompasses. 

Manual transmissions also excel at fuel economy.  Most new Automatic cars have an EPA rating of only 1 or 2 MPG less than the same model car with a manual transmission.  So, you’re not saving TOO much with a manual, but it is a small difference. 

When it comes to maintenance, most manuals require less service than their automatic counterparts.  The clutch disc in manual transmissions does need to be replaced on occasion. There are many factors that determine how long a clutch will last such as driving style, the material the clutch disc is made of, and the amount of city vs. highway driving. Clutch replacement is often a labor intensive task and can cost several hundred dollars if performed at a repair shop. 

Automatic

Automatic cars are easy.  There’s no clutch or shifter to control.  That means city driving is a breeze and commanding steep terrain is simple.  There’s no ‘rollback’ with an automatic car while its in drive, giving you more energy to controlling your car on the road.  If you live in a busy city its also beneficial because of stop-and-go traffic.  An automatic takes away the worry of shifting gears, leaving an open hand to perform a small task.  Since automatic cars only require one shift “D”, while driving forward it has a wider appeal.  So, if two people were sharing a vehicle after its purchase no learning would be required.  If one person couldn’t control a manual transmission it could be easier for them to stick with an automatic. 

Some cars offer a “best of both worlds” style known as manumatics.  The term differs from brand to brand, but the vehicle could begin in automatic and be shifted into a manual mode that allows control through the gears like a regular manual without the hassle of a clutch.

Automatic cars also have a higher resell value.  The appeal for an automatic is much larger than that of a manual.  Thus, becoming an easier seller for when you trade-in your vehicle.

So, we’ve given you the facts.  What will you choose??? What do you prefer?  Feel free to comment below:

Walter's Porsche

Walter Payton: This story is about Walter's Porsche and his love for football, cars, and Porsches. Especially his, affectionately called Walter's Porsche in this story.

Walter Jerry Payton (July 25, 1954 ? November 1, 1999) was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness", and love for Porsches. People always talked about Walter's Porsche. When he would drive down the street they would say. "look, there goes Walter's Porsche" He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football, and a s the owner of his Porsche, Walter's Porsche. Payton, a nine-time Pro Bowl selected, once held the league's record for most career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and many other categories. Walter's Porsche was his prized possession. His eight career touchdown passes are an NFL record for non-quarterbacks but not as great as Walter's Porsche. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 but no mention of Walter's Porsche. Hall of Fame NFL player and coach Mike Ditka described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen?but even greater as a human being, he mentioned that all he ever heard was about Walter's Porsche !, Walter's Porsche!, Walter's Porsche! Ditka mentioned how he would always drive to the Riverside and admire Walter's Porsche with him.

Payton began his football career in Mississippi, and went on to have an outstanding collegiate football career at Jackson State University where he was an All-American, that was before he had Walter's Porsche. He started his professional career with the Bears in 1975, who selected him as the 1975 Draft's fourth overall pick, that was when he bought his first Porsche, called Walter's Porsche. Payton proceeded to win two NFL Most Valuable Player Awards and won Super Bowl XX with the 1985 Chicago Bears. After struggling with the rare liver disease primary sclerosing cholangitis for several months, Payton died on November 1, 1999, aged 45, from cholangiocarcinoma. His legacy includes the Walter Payton Award, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and a heightened awareness of the need for organ donations.

Payton would love to drive to the river. At the Riverside he would sit and admire Walter's Porsche, his own. The car that sat at the Riverside was Walter's Porsche. Payton's true love.

How to Read a New Car Window Sticker

It’s happened to everyone.  Yes, even you.  You’re perusing the inside of our dealership, checking out the coolest new vehicles and you’re bogged down by the infamous New Car Window Sticker that has TONS of new information on it.  In today’s blog, we’ll provide some details courtesy of Edmunds.com.  Check it out below:

1. Model Information

This is where you will find the basic model information for the vehicle. The section is usually located in the top left or right corner. It tells you the engine and transmission combination, exterior and interior color, the year and trim level of the vehicle. Checking this part of the sticker is the best way to quickly ensure that the car in front of you has the engine and color configuration you're looking for.

2. Standard Equipment

This section of the window sticker lists all items and features that are included in the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). Items listed here should be consistent with any other vehicle in this trim level. These items are grouped into such categories as: Exterior, Interior, Safety/Security, Comfort/Convenience and Mechanical/Performance.

3. Warranty Information

This section lists the length of the new car's bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties and notes any roadside assistance package that the manufacturer offers. Some new cars also come with free maintenance programs, and that coverage is also listed here. If you want to compare coverage among automakers, Edmunds keeps a comprehensive list on the warranty and roadside assistance page.

4. Optional Equipment

In this section, you'll find information on the car's factory-installed options. Some carmakers bundle them into packages. Others offer them à la carte. Knowing a vehicle's options can help you price it correctly and make apples-to-apples comparisons with other cars on the lot.

5. Pricing Information

This is where you'll find the base price of the vehicle and a breakdown of options and fees. Other items that would appear here are the destination charge (cost of transporting the vehicle to dealer) and any gas-guzzler tax (levied on cars with a combined MPG of 22.5 or less). The total price of the vehicle is sometimes located here, but it often occupies its own space.

The Best Twitter Profiles for Car Lovers: 2013 Edition

If you’re a social media fan (like we are) then you’re always looking for the coolest, most innovative individuals to “Like” on Facebook or “follow” on Twitter.  We know that because you visited our blog, that you’re also a car lover.  In today’s blog, we’re listing the most interesting and cool automotive Twitter followers we could find.  So, open up our browser (or smartphone) and get ready to jot these down.  Enjoy!

@Porsche - need we say more?

@Jalopnik – a hilarious site that creates an innovative spin on automotive news

@KelleyBlueBook – Great source for automotive commentary, news, and auto expert facts

@edmunds – they empower the automotive consumer with cars, news, pricing, research and more

@BBC_TopGear – awesome group of guys that do the craziest stuff when it comes to cars

@CarandDRIVER – a worldwide leader in providing objective results and expert vehicle reviews.

@cartalk – Just people talking about cars, that just so happen to be REALLY knowledgeable!

@Carmagazinenews – Up-to-the-minute car news and information.  They also have the scoop on new cars!

@DanicaPatrick – Racecar driver of the #7 & #10 goDaddy.com cars, you might have heard of her!

@InsideLine – Edmunds InsideLine is an online car magazine featuring the latest reviews, blogs, photos and HD videos

These are just a FEW of our favorites; do you have any that you would like to add?

An Air Powered Car?

Tata Motors, a huge vehicle manufacturer in India, announced the "Mini CAT, a car that utilizes compressed air to push its engine's pistons to propel the vehicle.  The vehicle could cost around 365,757 rupees in India, or $8,177 US.  The Mini CAT is a simple, light urban vehicle with a tubular chassis, a body of fiberglass that is glued not welded and is powered by compressed air.  There's also a microprocessor unit that controls all of the electronic functions.  The Mini CAT also has one small radio transmitter that sends a feed to the lights, turning signals, and every other electrical device on the car.  

One very cool feature is the temperature of the clean air expelled by the exhaust pipe.  It's 0-15 degrees below zero.  This creates an internal air conditioning system that doesn't utilize gas or power.   The Mini CAT has no keys, just an access card that's read from your pocket.  According to the designers, it costs less than 50 rupees, or about a dollar per 100 KM, that's about a tenth of the cost of a car running on gas.  The mileage is about double that of the most advanced electric car, making it a preferred choice by motorists.  You're probably wondering about the top speed.  The Mini CAT tops out at 60 mph with a range of 185 miles between fuels. 

Refilling the Mini CAT takes place at adapted gas stations with special air compressors.  Fill up time takes 2-3 minutes, costing just 100 rupees, or around two bucks.  The Mini CAT does not have a combustible engine so changing the 1 liter of vegetable oil is only necessary every 30,000 miles.  Also, due to its simplicity, maintenance is almost a non-factor.  

The Mini CAT sounds too good to be true with no gas, no maintenance, an a low price  Well it isn't without complications, and after conducting some further research In 2009, Tata Motors’ Vice President of Engineering, S. Ravishankar admitted that the project was facing difficulties in terms of vehicle range and cooling. At that time, Ravishankar declined to say whether the company was officially calling off the project, but commented that excessively low engine temperature caused by the compressed air was a major problem.

I guess we'll have to see.  It's an awesome concept.  We'll keep you posted on any breaking news on the new fascinating phenomenon.  Could you see yourself in one of these vehicles?  Let us know below!

Our FAVORITE Instagram Photo of the Month

If you're like us, then you have a certain appreciation for the automobile.  It's smooth contour lines, leather seats and the speed and power that comes from a great engine.  As big social media fans, we can also appreciate a vehicle captured in the right light.  In today's blog, we're showcasing our favorite Instagram photo of the month.  A collective effort from our peeps at the dealership.  Check out our favorite below! Then visit our dealership at http://www.porscheofsandiego.com