When planning to hire a limousine service for your special event, remember that there are several things you should keep in mind. This article will list the most common and important questions or topics to inquire about.
First you should find out the basics. How many hours will you plan to rent a limousine? How many passengers will you expect? What color & type of limousine will you want? There are many different types of limousines for specific types of events. To name just a few there are stretch limousines, SUV limousines (Ford Excursion, Hummers, etc.), party bus limousines, vintage cars for weddings (Rolls Royce) and more.
Compare rates of several companies to get an approximate average of what others are charging. A few things that can make the price vary are year, model, accessories and size of the limousine. (number of passengers required)
If you are organizing a large event where several limousines will be required, most companies will offer you some kind of discount. Don’t be shy to ask!
If the limousine company has a website, check out some of the services they offer and view their online testimonials to get a general idea of what others thought of their service.
Ideal occasions for limousine rentals
Birthdays: Imagine the smile you could put on someone’s face when you have a limousine pull up in their driveway to escort them to whatever special event you might have planned. Limousines are a great way to celebrate a memorable birthday.
Weddings: Wedding limousines are practically a tradition nowadays. Often times a stretch Lincoln Town Car limousine or vintage cars such as a Rolls Royce is used to escort the newly weds to their honeymoon after they make their vows. It is a special once in a lifetime occasion which should be celebrated in luxury and style.
VIP Guest Transportation: Many companies require luxury transportation for their VIP customers or guests. Usually a limousine is used to escort special guests from the airport to their hotel and to their business reunion meetings. It’s one good way to impress those special guests and show them you value their presence and wish them the best comfort available to make their stay and negotiations as pleasant as possible.
Hotel & Airport Transfers: After a long flight the last thing you want to do is take a taxi and endure another long trip to your hotel. Many executive travelers use limousine services to escort them from the airport, take care of their hotel reservations and baggage for them.
Bachelor / Bachelorette Parties: Limousines or party buses are a great way to put the party on wheels. Have a fun filled night to remember with your friends in style and luxury.
VIP Nightclub outings: Several limousine companies have special agreements with many different nightclubs in which they offer VIP access and transport you from nightclub to nightclub to have a fun night out with your closest friends. Pull up to the clubs in style as a VIP guest all night long and avoid the risks of DUI. Party responsibly and party a lot!
Wine Tours: Looking for a little stress relief? A perfect little getaway is taking a limousine wine tasting tour. Wine tours consist of traveling from winery to winery while tasting their finest wines and viewing the scenery while riding in a luxurious limousine.
Tourism: If you’re sightseeing then a limousine tour is the perfect way to have fun and make it a memorable event. Have an experienced chauffeur take you to the best tourist locations in your areas of interest.
Prom / Homecomings: If you’re looking to make a good impression with your classmates then you should consider hiring a limousine to take you to your prom or homecoming party in luxury and style
The Sport Bike is quickly becoming the most popular choice for motorcycle enthusiasts who want speed and agility above all else. You most frequently see young riders on sport bikes because they don’t mind giving up comfort for the exhiliration of pure speed and agility. Sport Bikes, also known as, crotch rockets, street bikes, off-road, dual sport, hyper sport, and super sport bikes are designed for maximum performance and easier handling.
Sport Bikes have the footpegs in a rear position and the handlebars are positioned in such a way in the front so that the rider is forced to ride in a more aerodynamic position. For longer riding this can be uncomfortable for the rider and also for passengers when riding two up. My article that provided an update on the latest Crash Statistics showed that two-thirds of all crash fatalities are a result of speed. It makes sense then that the bikes built for speed, are less expensive, and thus more available to younger riders, have more accidents. In defense of that claim, the latest motor crash statistics report showed that the gap between younger riders on Sport style bikes and the over 40 age group with Cruiser style bikes in fatalities are narrowing. The age 40 group represent 47% of all fatalities. The key here is to get the proper training, follow the legal limits in speed, don’t mix riding and alcohol, and use respectful riding behavior. In other words, don’t ride drunk, don’t do wheelies down the highway (which I have seen more often than naught), and don’t ride above the legal speed limit. Just as important, keep in mind road conditions for your skill level as well. Inexperience and speed contribute highly to fatal crashes.
Sport Bikes are designed with a lightweight frame for easy handling and agility. They are generally classified as Sport Bikes, Super Sport, or Hyper Sport according to the engine size. A regular beginner Sport Bike has less than a 600 cc engine; Super Sport Bikes have a 600 - 1100 cc engine and Hyper Sport Bikes have a 1100 cc engine or above. Sport Bikes also come in touring models but lose some of the features that classify them as Sport Bikes, thus lending them more to touring models.
Consumer Sport Bikes mimic the speed and handling of the racing bikes you see at the racetracks, although at legal limits. Sport Bikes come in a variety of prices and styles to fit anyone’s style of riding and budget.
Examples of Sport Bikes and their specific classifications are:
Sport Bike - Suzuki GS-500, Aprilia RXV550
Super Sport - Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, Honda CBR1000RR
Hyper Sport - Buell 1125R
Touring Sport - Kawasaki Concours 14; Triumph Sprint ST; BMW K1200R
Dual Sport - Suzuki DR350; Honda XR650L; BMW R1150GS
(more info to come in the Dual Sport article)
As you can see, Sport Bikes come in all sizes and styles to fit almost any adventurous rider’s needs. Sport Bikes are lightweight, easy to handle, come in all price ranges, and fast. It all depends on your riding preference. I am a cruiser rider now but used to ride sport bikes when I was younger.
Next article will be on Touring styles of motorcycles.
Until then, ride safe and have fun
Car enthusiasts will vigorously debate the meaning of words like “classic,” “vintage,” and “antique,” so you will find a wide range of automobiles listed under “classic” cars for sale. Thanks to the Internet,
you can easily browse nationwide listing and buy classic cars from almost anywhere. Using the search phrase “classic cars” online will return literally hundreds of thousands of listings. (You may find you do better with search phrases like “Texas classic cars” to help narrow results to your immediate region.)
When Does A Car Become A Classic?
According to the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), a classic car is any automobile that was manufactured, inside or outside the United States, between 1925 and 1948. Since there are no specific age criteria to determine the use of words like “classic” and “antique” they are often used interchangeably or with distinctions unique to the individual writing the listing. Consequently, it’s better not to focus on those descriptive titles but rather to take each vehicle on an individual basis. One man’s “classic” may be another man’s “antique.” (A widely accepted though unofficial number for the “antique” designation comes from the Antique Automobile Club of America, which settles on 25 years of age on a car.)
To further complicate this debate, some states have laws for determining if an automobile should be considered an antique for purposes of maintaining the appropriate registration. This database is used by many States as a means of controlling the circulation of antique cars because they are not as safe as modern cars.
Which Are The Most Popular Classic Cars?
While debate may rage about the vocabulary of vintage, classic, and antique cars, some automobiles stand out as classics among classics.
The Jaguar E-Type, also known as the XK-E, was manufactured by the Jaguar Cars Company from 1961 to 1974. It was so popular that in 2004, Sports Car International named it as the number one sport’s car of the 1960’s. The Series 1 of this car was produced from 1961 to 1968 and included a 3.8 liter, 6 cylinder engine.
A much successful model than the 1900, the Volvo P1800 was launched in 1961. It was so popular that it was used as the vehicle of choice for “The Saint,” played by Roger Moore in the popular television series.
2009 Kawasaki KFX450R ATVs
Riders looking for a race-ready, high performance ATV equipped with class-leading performance and technology straight out of the crate need look no further than the Kawasaki KFX®450R. Every component was chosen to maximize performance on the track or in the woods and put riders at the head of the pack with minimal fuss.
The KFX450R ATV uses a powerplant based on Kawasaki’s highly acclaimed KX™450F motocross engine. An efficient and highly-responsive 32-bit digital fuel injection (DFI) system automatically compensates for temperature or altitude. DFI also enhances the engine’s ability to generate torque in the low and medium rpm ranges for outstanding holeshot acceleration. This ATV’s ability to find traction is superb, and its four-stroke power delivery translates into hooked-up wheels for improved handling and higher corner speeds.
Other race-ready features include a lightweight titanium exhaust header pipe and a durable forged piston. The fast and reliable KFX450R was also the first competition-oriented ATV to include a reverse gear. Previously unheard of in racing, the KFX450R’s lightweight reverse system lets riders quickly extricate themselves from first turn chaos, dead-end trails or any other on-track incident.
Winning races requires a chassis that’s built to handle tough racing conditions. The all-aluminium frame provides light weight and incredible stiffness without sacrificing strength. The front suspension design utilizes long lower A-arms mounted to a single box-section lower frame tube. This results in outstanding suspension action from the frontend. At the rear, a cast aluminium swingarm provides the ideal balance of flexibility and rigidity. The high-tech chassis also features a low center of gravity and excellent roll resistance. Regardless of changing conditions or rough track surfaces, this race-oriented chassis makes the KFX450R a potent weapon in the battle for ATV supremacy.
The KFX450R is easy to work on, so riders can concentrate on winning instead of wrenching. The two-piece front and rear “lapped” fenders make it possible to customize the size of the fenders or replace damaged sections separately. Even the headlight assembly is quickly detachable for closed-course races, and the compact design means this ATV looks just as aggressive with or without headlights. These features leave little doubt that the new KFX450R was designed to get its rider on track and winning races as quickly as MSRP: $7,549
2009 Kawasaki KFX450R Monster Energy®
For riders wanting something different in a race-ready, high performance ATVs, the Kawasaki KFX®450R Monster Energy Edition is the answer. With its black bodywork, frame and wheels highlighted by an aggressive Monster Energy® graphics set, this born-to-race ATVs will certainly stand out from the pack MSRP: $7,849. 2009 Kawasaki KFX®50The Kawasaki KFX®50 is a great starting point for beginning ATV riders age six years and older. With its wide 27.6-inch stance, full floorboards and environmentally friendly air-cooled, four-stroke engine, the KFX50 delivers solid performance and stable handling to provide a good foundation for young learners.
An adjustable throttle stop, CVT transmission speed limiter and lanyard safety switch allow the rider’s confidence and skill levels to increase while parental control is maintained. Once riders are confident enough to operate the KFX50 on their own, parents can still maintain control over its operation, thanks to the keyed ignition which helps to prevent unauthorized use.The KFX50 has styling like that of the larger KFX models and boasts features such as electric starting, single-shock swingarm rear suspension, A-arm front suspension, dual front drum and single rear disc brakes. The compact entry-level ATV also incorporates full floorboards, which provide extra comfort and safety for the rider. MSRP: $1,999.
2009 Kawasaki KFX700
The KFX®700 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) continues to be a hit with off-roaders for obvious reason. It’s the winning formula of Kawasaki’s powerful V-twin engine and automatic transmission coupled with a racing-style chassis, which adds up to a sport ATV offering aggressive all-day riding that is fun and easy for a wide range of riders.
At the heart of the KFX700’s appeal is its engine. The liquid-cooled, 697cc, four-stroke, 90-degree V-twin is matched to a performance-tuned continuously variable automatic transmission. The combination eliminates shifting concerns because it’s in the optimum powerband at all times. This allows the rider to focus even more attention on choosing good lines, whether it’s on the race track or trail.Other features include shaft drive, powerful dual front disc brakes and Kawasaki’s sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc rear brake system. The KFX700 also features a single lower front frame tube –designed using lessons learned from cross-country ATV racing –to increase suspension travel and improve handling.
Up front the dual A-arms feature 9.3 inches of travel while providing optimum handling with minimal “tire scrub” during up-and-down suspension travel. Rear suspension duties are handled by an alloy swingarm with a piggy-back reservoir shock and 7.9 inches of travel. The KFX700 is shod with the ITP® Holeshot® tires to gain maximum traction and maneuverability.
Rounding out the features list on the KFX700 are sport-style serrated footpegs, a protective engine skid plate and powerful 45-watt headlights. MSRP: $6,849-$7,149.
2009 Kawasaki KFX90
Parents appreciate quality products that are designed to fit the needs of their growing youth. A wide stance, large tires, and full floorboards allow the KFX90 to offer stable and confidence-inspiring handling traits. Its friendly performance and big-bike styling make the KFX®90 ATV a smart choice for riders 12 years and older. At the core of the KFX90 is a reliable and environmentally friendly four-stroke air-cooled engine that provides healthy mid-range performance with an easy-to-use power delivery.
The KFX90 is also equipped with electric starting, single-shock swingarm rear suspension, A-arm front suspension, dual front drum and single rear disc brakes, much like those found on the larger KFX models.
Parents are sure to appreciate the added safety offered by the KFX90’s keyed ignition switch which prevents use without the key. Once they hand over the key, parents can maintain control over the KFX90’s use via the throttle limiting screw and a CVT transmission speed limiter. These allow the maximum speed to be preset to match the rider’s ability while letting the rider’s confidence and skill levels increase in controlled increments.MSRP: $2,399.
As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages ATV riders to ride responsibly and to respect the environment. Kawasaki will pay first-time buyers of a new Kawasaki ATV $100 for completing an ATV rider safety course conducted by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). Interested consumers can call ASI toll-free at 800-887-2887
Bob Crowley and his wife, Teresa, were proud of their silver Honda Accord. Despite living in the city and parking their car right on the street, their ’98 Accord was nearly free of dings. The finish looked just as good as when they purchased the car. How could this be possible? With kids playing stick ball, tight parallel parking, air pollution, and pigeons that frequently splattered cars up and down the street, no car was immune from the regular insults of urban living. For the Crowley’s it was no mystery: a custom fitted car cover was placed over their Accord whenever it was parked to give it maximum protection. For an investment costing less than two hundred dollars you can protect your car too. Please read on to discover all the advantages of utilizing a high quality car cover.
Without exception, a custom fitted car cover offers the best protection for any vehicle. With side mirror pockets, a high quality car cover will fit your vehicle snuggly much in the way a well fitted dress graces a woman’s body or as a glove fits a hand. The benefit is a car cover that stays in place without flapping in the wind or sliding off.
Moreover, a custom fitted car cover will protect your car from the following:
Moisture – With four layers of protection a custom fitted car cover will resist moisture and protect your car’s finish from acid rain, road salt, hail, sleet, and snow.
Pollution – Air pollution, dirt, and flying debris can all wreak havoc on your car’s finish in no time. A high quality car cover will prevent your finish from looking old before its time.
Nature – In the city you have a burgeoning pigeon population to contend with, while in the suburbs you have squirrels, birds, and a host of other little critters who see your car as an invitation to leave their mark upon. Even if nature’s critters like your car cover, they won’t be able to do harm to your car.
Sunny Days — You protect your skin with sunscreen, right? Don’t think for a moment that your car’s finish isn’t immune from harmful solar rays. Even the best finishes come under attack and need protection. Regular washes and waxing does help, but in between times your finish is under constant assault.
Small Impacts — No, a car cover won’t protect your vehicle from another car slamming into it, but it can protect your car from someone who opens their door and bangs into your car as well as kids on skates who get a kick out using your hood as a seat for rest.
Intruders — Why is it that strangers think nothing of peering into your unoccupied car when you are not around? Don’t think for a moment they are admiring the design of your interior! Likely, someone is casing your car for anything of value left out in full view or they are admiring your Bose sound system. Regardless, a car cover keeps the snooping folks away. What they can’t see they aren’t likely to go after.
High quality car covers such as those made by Covercraft can offer the best protection for your car. Each custom fitted car cover is developed for the specific make and model of your car no matter whether it is a Honda, BMW, Dodge, Kia, or any other vehicle. The more layers it consists of means better protection for your vehicle too. Select one with side pocket mirrors and your vehicle will receive maximum protection. Truly, for what amounts to a small investment a custom fitted car cover offers an excellent return on the money.
What does one look for when buying the right car? When buying your future car, you’d definitely expect to get the most out of your money’s worth. That’s a fact. Let’s face it, most car dealers and car sales people only think of the commission they are going to receive when you purchase the car that they offered you. So it’s only right that you as a buyer take a considerable amount of time in choosing the right car that fits your lifestyle and your needs. Preparations are definitely important when it comes to selecting, and knowing the pros and cons in car buying is a must. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends if you are making the right decision, their advices and suggestions might help you in your car buying preparations.
Choosing cars can be a daunting task since there are a lot of things to consider. One is your budget, two is your style and taste, and three is your need to buy one. You may be interested in buying one of the coolest sports cars available in the market today, a Ferrari perhaps? Or rather purchase one of the hottest cars that will suit your taste for trendy types of vehicles; if you are the luxurious type of person that doesn’t drive a used car. Hence, car buying is easy if you only stick to the budget and you know the type of car you really want. It just needs a lot of preparations and careful planning, which means looking at every possible detail and choosing carefully before you acquire your future dream car.
Don’t be left behind in getting your desired model of a car. All types of car you need are available in here. You will for sure like to know how fast cars evolve, in here; it features that kind of information. You will have an update on the latest models available for your car satisfaction. A lot of the car owners probably would want to always be the first to know of what’s new in the world of cars. Of course everybody wants their cars to always look conditioned and all maintained. You may check out in fastlanes.net the basic car maintenance for new fast car owners and how to keep your car smelling clean. It also features ideas on the simple ways to save money on gas.
For the purpose of mobility, there is a need to own a vehicle. Through the years and in almost all societies, owning and driving a car has somehow become a status symbol because it is quite logical that owning up such a vehicle is not always affordable.
These days, however, people have greater chances of buying a car because there are practically more options in transactions.
If you are aiming to purchase a car, it would be wise if you would take into consideration several factors. Initially, you need to decide whether you want to buy a new or a used car. If you have enough money to spend, of course, buying a new car is the most advisable and logical thing to do.
New cars are always on top quality and are guaranteed to deliver good and reliable performances. On the other hand, if your budget is quite limited, you can opt to purchase a second-hand car, which are available at car auctions or through used car dealers and brokers.
When buying such refurbished and reconditioned cars, it is imperative that you look at several considerations, particularly, the number of the car ’s previous owners, accident and mechanical history and maintenance requirements.
When purchasing a new car, it would surely be helpful if you would take note of the following advices and recommendations. These are considered the basic and important things and activities you should do before car purchase.
1. If you are aiming to find and secure the best and most reasonable deals when purchasing a car, it would be advisable if you would make the acquisition on the period from July to October and on the second half of December.
It is a know fact that cars are basically less costly on these periods. Annually, the periods also coincide with the usual periods car dealers usually launch and implement significant car purchase discounts. Discounts of a few percent surely would mean a lot of savings.
2. Do a comparison shop first. There are numerous used car dealers in the community and all of them are aiming to cut the throat of each other.
That is why you can be sure there is intense competition, which usually comes in the form of contests to lure more customers by lowering prices. Of course, dealers offering the best and most competitive prices win, and you should do business with them.
3. Always remember that cars that would be ordered from a car plant or facility must not cost more when compared to the prices of cars on the lot or the showroom. Many car buyers are fooled when dealers charge extra costs for cars that need to be ordered from plants.
Likewise, you should be wary about cars that need to be sourced or located by the dealer from another dealership. Usually, used car dealers implement additional, yet, unnecessary fees for such service.
4. It is illegal for car dealers to sell cars that lack price invoice sticker or MSRP. The price tags in the showroom should always be the actual price you would need to pay if you are making the purchase. No more, no less.
5. Lastly, it would be wise if you would do your own research of the car model or brand you are purchasing. Carmakers and marketers hire the best advertisers. So at times, do not fully believe ads for they have been developed and produced to awe and lure buyers.
Volvo commercial trucks are among the most popularly chosen brand for truck drivers around the world. Volvo is currently the second largest heavy duty truck manufacturer in the world and currently sells more than 100,000 trucks each year. Sister companies to this manufacturer are Renault, Mack and UD or Nissan trucks.
When Volvo developed and released its very first automobile back in 1927, they already had a truck on the drawing table. The LV Series 1 was released in early 1928 and it sold nearly 500 models in just a few months. The first Volvo truck featured a 4 cylinder 2.0 Liter engine which was rated at 28 hp..
Since those earlier days, Volvo commercial trucks have evolved considerably. The cabs for this brand are manufactured in
During the 1980s, Volvo purchased the heavy duty trucks from General Motors and during the early 2000s, acquired Renault which included Mack Trucks. Volvo commercial trucks can literally be seen from corner to corner and on every roadside around the world.
Whether you are considering the purchase of a new model from the manufacturer, or are searching for a more affordable used version, Volvo commercial trucks can literally be found in every state and country. Online listings are also easy to find. Simply search for the truck that you want and you will instantly be presented with a multitude of locations in which you can purchase a new or used model.
Truckers around the world have come to depend on their manufacturer of choice. The reason that most truck drivers have a preferred model of truck is simply because they have had good experiences with these manufacturers. Volvo commercial trucks are without a doubt one of the manufacturers brands that thousands of truck drivers prefer. You only have to drive down an interstate or freeway to see the number of these vehicles that are currently gracing our roadways.
The U.S. car selling market seems as if it is dominated by SUVs, pick up trucks, and minivans. Certainly, together, these types of vehicles do account for more than half of all new vehicles sold year in and year out. When it comes to car sales, the crowded mid-size market leads the way with dozens of models competing. We’ll explore three popular mid-size performers currently making an impact on U.S. highways.
For years, the Ford Taurus was the industry leader in car sales. After years of dominance, this mid-sized offering began to lose its grip on the #1 spot, finally ceding the lead to Toyota’s Camry during the mid 1990s. Ever since then the Camry has led U.S. car sales followed closely by the Honda Accord.
For its part, the Camry is not a remarkable looking car. It is, however, very dependable and a strong performer in the resale market. You can find quality Toyota parts online. Standard equipment for the sedan is a 2.4L DOHC 16-valve 4 cylinder engine; 5 speed manual transmission; variable assist rack and pinion steering; ABS; power windows & locks; tilt wheel/cruise control; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD player. Base model MSRP is $18,445.
The Honda Accord is the chief competitor to the Camry. Similarly, the Accord is not radical in design, but Honda fans love the car as it is dependable and it depreciates slowly. You can find quality Honda auto parts online. Standard equipment is a 2.3L DOHC 16-valve 4 cylinder engine; 5 speed manual transmission; variable rack and pinion steering; ABS; and tilt wheel. Base model MSRP is $16,295 with notable “extras” missing including air conditioning, CD, and cruise control.
Further up in the luxury category is the Volvo S40, the lowest priced offering from the Swedish-American automaker. Espousing typical Volvo design, the S40 is somewhat more sleek than its Japanese rivals. Standard equipment for the S40 is a 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine; 5 speed manual transmission; traction control; power windows & locks; tilt wheel/cruise control; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD player. MSRP for the base S40 will run you $23,755. You can keep your S40 in tip top shape by using quality Volvo parts in your car.
Shares of CarMax tumbled Wednesday after the company posted disappointing first-quarter earnings and said it will suspend earnings guidance for the next year.
The auto retailer said first-quarter profit fell to $29.6 million, or 13 cents a share, from $65.4 million, or 30 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. Analysts expected CarMax to notch a profit of 22 cents a share, according to Thomson Reuters.
CarMax said that sales rose to $2.21 billion from $2.15 billion a year ago, led by a 6% increase in used vehicle revenues. However, Wall Street expected the company to report revenue of $2.27 billion. Revenue from CarMax’s auto finance arm plummeted to $9.8 million from $37.1 million
Additionally, the company said that wholesale industry prices for SUVs and trucks declined nearly 25% during the quarter, approximately four times the normal depreciation expected over this period and well in excess of the depreciation expected over a full year.
“The slowdown in the economy, the dramatic rise in gasoline and food costs and the related impact on consumer spending adversely affected our first quarter performance,” said Tom Folliard, president and CEO of CarMax. “This is the most rapid depreciation of any vehicle segment that we have experienced in our 15 years.”
CarMax added it was suspending guidance for fiscal 2009. “As a result of the combination of the uncertain economic conditions, rising fuel and food costs and weak consumer sentiment, exacerbated by the rapid depreciation in SUVs and trucks, we are temporarily suspending guidance on comparable store sales and earnings for fiscal 2009,” Folliard said.
Shares of CarMax were dropping $2.41, or 13.1%, to $15.93. Among related stocks, AutoNation was slumping 4.7% to $12.89, and Penske Automotive Group slid 5% to $15.85.