Toyota Introduces All-New Tundra In Texas

Toyota Motor Co. rolled out two prototypes of its latest Tundra pickup truck at the State Fair of Texas. Said Tundra models will be assembled in Toyota's billion-dollar San Antonio plant. "The State Fair is a true icon of Texas, which just happens to be the epicenter of the U.S."We decided the new Tundra needed to be a truck built exclusively for the customer, not a truck that simply benchmarked the full-size competition. Toyota constructed its new plant in San Antonio in order to significant Tundra pickup trucks. It was said that the construction of said plant amounted to an investment worth $850 million. Said plant will also generate a total of 2,000 new jobs. Fortunately, the investment flourishes up to more than $1 billion. It has also accommodated a total of 4,100 new jobs.When you add in the investments being made by Gulf States Toyota and our dealers, we are bringing nearly $2 billion worth of new facilities into the economy of Texas." light truck market. It's easy to illustrate just how important Texas is to us," says Ernest Bastien, vice president of vehicle operations for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.

Holidays At The Museum

For most people the arrival of the Yuletide season and of the lights and carols of Christmas is a very fascinating holiday for them. They get to spend their time with the people who are most important to them. However, there are also those people who, as much as they are having the Christmas spirit, just do not have people to share the holidays with.You see, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is actually inviting everybody for a big event. The event is to actually celebrate the arrival of the new year, 2007. But, yes, you do have to shell out some cash to be part of this whole event. There are several packages available. One would be the dinner and dance package which would cost you $60. With this one, you get to join those others with the same package have dinner at 7:30 p.m. at the museum's Willennar Hall. You would be able to enjoy dancing, dinner, the cash bar, and a champagne toast come midnight.Come the last day of this year, 31st of December, there would be a celebration and an event which the museum dubbed as "A Classic New Year's Eve".

Nissan Taps New SUV Design for Young Urbanites

This concept of an SUV, which is one of Ecko's 2 concepts, will not be available in the industry though. Nonetheless, New York fashion designer and graffiti artist Marc Ecko made However, they were already displayed at several auto events across the country after it debuted in New York last October. Ecko's Pathfinder is given a custom black-and-gray paint that camouflages his signature rhino logo and skulls and dice meant to mirror toughness and the "gambles people take in life. The skull is today's happy face,""We're emblematic of what's going on in popular culture. It was a good tidy fit (with Nissan) for sure. If these were ever to be brought to consumers, obviously we'd have to make some adaptations to make it more production-assembly friendly." said Ecko.customized versions of Nissan SUVs with a more captivating look and price tag.
Tom Libby, an automotive analyst with JD Power and Associates, said the average age of the Nissan buyer is 42, four years below the national average age over all brands. Nissan buyers are also younger than those of other major Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda. "They're (Nissan) trying to link their product with a brand that appeals to a niche or consumer they want to appeal to," Libby said.
Nissan also resorted to the ongoing trend to capture young urbanites. These individuals settle for stylish, edgy and high-performance drive.

Volvo XC60: A Look At The Future

A couple more nights to go and the Detroit automotive show, which is much known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), would already be polishing off the last details and then opening its doors to the public. And with this grand event, Volvo Cars would also be sending out one of the newest vehicles in their range.this vehicle would be the kind of transportation that the future would be having. In fact, this concept vehicle is going to be the basis for a new production vehicle sometime soon.Instead, we will make our Scandinavian design heritage more emotional and radiant by adding sculptured, exciting shapes and innovative features." He also does continue by saying, "With more expressive and emotive shapes, if you can recognize a Volvo from fifty meters today, I want to get to the point where you will instant spot a Volvo from twice that distance in the future." This Volvo XC60 concept vehicle would soon be joining the ranks of the Volvo XC70 and the Volvo XC90 in the Volvo line of all wheel drive and cross country vehicles. Uniquely,

The Best Features Behind The Wheel

According to auto enthusiasts, one of the awesome features this year is the OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation. What makes this feature indispensable is its Turn-by-Turn navigation. OnStar serves as a detailed navigation system available on Cadillacs and Buicks. It is also made an option in most of General Motors vehicles. Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and other GM vehicles are also given the heated washer fluid. The latter is used to eliminate the crusty layer of winter grime.
Auto enthusiasts are also into E85 fuel. According to them, it burns less than a gallon of gasoline using an E85 mixture to drive a 320-horsepower, 5,537-pound vehicle for about 88 miles.The 2007 version of the convertible is evidently made quieter and more sophisticated.

As the auto industry continues to evolve in micro steps, it is expected to offer more delightful, valuable, and breathtaking features to make driving fun, comfy, safe and thrilling.

This is especially true with Chevrolet Tahoe. The drawback though is the shortage of E85 fuel filling stations. Nonetheless, this fuel reduces oil consumption as well as greenhouse emissions.

Facts and treatments regarding Lupus

As we know, the body systems produces antibodies which have the role to fight against bacteria and viruses. In addition, lupus appears when the body system stops to work properly and produces antibodies known as auto-antibodies causing inflammation and pain. Much more there are two forms of lupus: one of them is called erythematosus (SLE) and usually affects the skin, muscles, joints, lungs and even heart, causing in most cases muscle and joint pain. Another common form of lupus is known as discoid lupus, which appears on the skin, producing rash on the head, scalp and neck.
. So, after a special examination of the symptoms and various tests, the physician can easily settle a proper diagnosis. Even though, lupus can cause severe complications and needs specific treatments and even hospitalization, it is not considered a fatal disease and patients can have a normal life if they follow the medical instructions.
Moreover, these drugs have the role in diminishing discomfort and symptoms that lupus produces by reducing pain and sweeling in the affected areas. However, NSAIDs have a negative part too, taking more medicines than is necessary may lead to other complications such as ulcers or bleeding. During the years has been discovered different methods to heal lupus, methods which are sub-classes of NSAIDs. Some of theses are frequently prescriebed and are known as Cox-2 inhibitors, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib and meloxicam. Moreover other prescribed medicines for treating lupus are Acetaminophen which are pain killers; Corticosteroids, used in diminishing swelling and inflammation, balancing the immune system too; Anti-Malarials medications usually help in removing, skin rashed, the fatigue and joint pain and not in the last place a medicine which has the role in improving the quality of life and it is known as Nutricol.

Mercedes to give Formula One Champ

Formula One champ Fernando Alonso, the 25-year old Spaniard has been given the best that Mercedes-Benz has to offer--the ultra-rare Mercedes-McLaren 722. Alonso describes the McLaren as the "prettiest car in the world."The McLaren 722 was constructed at the same Woking base in the UK where the MP4-22 racecar was also produced. The Special edition SLR is just one of the 150 cars in production - developed with the help of supercar legend Gordon Murray. The automaker though has not yet announced what the model would be but according to some sources a B-class would probably be given to Hamilton.Facts on Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a sports car and a super automobile developed by Daimler Chrysler in partnership with McLaren Cars. It is also one of the fastest automatic transmission cars in the world.
Speaking of previous problems, one of the most criticized parts of earlier SLRs were its brakes. According to Richard Hammond of Top Gear, "It's not that they don't work--they do, but it's the way they do it: they are either on or off." Although the SLR's brakes are extremely powerful they are described as binary as if they were designed for panic stops at 200 mph.

Volkswagen's CrossGolf

Volkswagen doesn't like gaps in its range so if it has one you can bet that it will fill it in. Just take for instance Golf.It was given chunky plastic bumpers all-round, a neat silver air intake at the front, bordered by fog lights and silver roof rails that are added to the Plus' bland shape to perk things up. The vehicle is also given a 20mm increase in ride height. Its 17-inch alloy rounds up the sporty, off-roader looks that it projects. The automaker was not content just by having three and five-door Golfs such as the Golf-based Touran, a forthcoming Golf Estate and a Golf-based Tiguan 4x4.
Unfortunately because of the extra ride height added to the CrossGolf it's not as swift as Golf or even a Plus. The suspension set-up is also quite firm probably to control body roll caused by the vehicle's higher centre of gravity.
Add to it a 138bhpversionof the firm's new turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 liter TSI unit. Delivers a revving 220Nm of torque it feels exactly the same as a deep-chested diesel at low engine speeds. And as the turbocharger seamlessly takes over above 3,000 rpm there's even more punch for overtaking.

Chrysler Dealers, Workers Face Uncertainty

Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda asks the company's workers to concentrate on recovery amidst rumors. This is because the uncertainty that challenges both Chrysler's dealers and workers could be reflected on their faces and expressions. They are uncertain about the future of Chrysler Group hence also unsure of their future. Uncertainty is written all over Auburn Hills and it leaves dealers and workers shaken. Both the dealers and the workers are essential to the positive comeback of Chrysler in the industry.The irony is that GM is now slashing its body of 7,000 retailers. To acquire more is to pose a greater burden and anxiety on the parties. LaSorda knows it is a difficult time for everybody. He is trying to reassure them that Chrysler's restructuring plan which calls for slashing 13,000 jobs and steep cuts in vehicle production will ensure the company has a future no matter how bleak it may seem at present. However, the parties' anxiousness is gradually growing because of the speculation that swirls about the potential sale of the company. "We have a lot of customers who don't know if they're going to be offered one or if they'd even accept. It's causing them to hold off." John Schenden, president of Pro Chrysler Jeep in Denver, has tried to motivate his team of managers and sales people who have asked questions about Chrysler's future and its dealer body. "I told my people, 'it's out of our control,'" Schenden said. "We have to just worry about our day-to-day business of selling cars."

Booming mining's no longer the pits

EVERY time Sue Gogilis starts her shift driving the company truck she gives her steering wheel a good rub with a few disinfectant wipes.Gogilis, a 34-year-old mother of two, was a dental assistant until last May. Now she drives a mammoth dump truck at one of Rio Tinto's iron ore mines, hauling 230 tonnes of rock and dirt across the scorching Pilbara region in Australia's outback."They need the bodies," she said. "And so if there's a body, they don't care if it's male or female as long as it can drive the truck."
A decade ago, with prices slumping, the sense of mining as a sunset industry left it with a workforce with grey hair under its hard hats. But these days, the industry is struggling to meet burgeoning global demand for iron, copper, and other key commodities.

Now, mothers like Gogilis, former math teachers, and even Detroit car workers are being lured into mining by impressive salaries, housing, and educational benefits, helping to transform mining from what was once a dead-end job into an avenue of advancement.
The industry was suffering a depression, and the best and brightest didn't join," said Marcus Randolph, the chief organisation development officer at BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company.

As commodity prices languished, students pursued better-paying careers elsewhere. Mining schools shrank. The average age of a production worker in mining crept up to 50. Then came the China economic boom, and India's. The Minerals Council of Australia, in a recent report, estimated that by 2015 Australia alone would need 70,000 employees on top of the 120,000 it has now to keep up with demand.

At a local job fair, Eason stopped at the booth of P&H Mining Equipment, which makes the giant shovels used in mines. Workers like Eason with compatible skills from auto factories and other industries are highly coveted by mining companies. Eason now works for one of P&H's subsidiaries in Wyoming's coal country.

With modernisation has come increasing mechanisation. Many mining workers nowadays need education levels and skills more common to urban white-collar professionals.

"You can't just come out of the paddock and pick up a pick and shovel and go down in the mine," Hooke said.

That need for higher skills makes life even harder for mining companies that are venturing further afield in search of ore.

That kind of schedule suits Brian Okely, a 42-year-old from Western Australia. Okely spent 12 years as a telephone repairman until he learned that he could double his pay in mining. In November, Okely started repairing trucks at one of Rio's Pilbara mines. Best of all, he said, he gets a full week off to spend quality time with his wife and three children. "Family's more important than money," he said.

Still, attrition and divorce rates among miners remain high. A study last year by Macquarie Research and the Australasian Institute of Mining found turnover among mine workers was as high as 25 per cent. "They work long hours and they need people who are willing to travel a lot," said Bruce Elliott, who recruits for the resources industry at Korn/Ferry in Sydney. "Young people will do it out of university. But then they get to a point where they say 'I don't want to travel now'."

How To Purchase Only the Car Insurance You Need

Have you ever received your automobile insurance bill and found yourself wondering if you are paying for a lot of coverages that you do not need? There are so many different options, how does one know what is worthwhile and what is not? Some options that are offered are really duplications of other coverage that you may already have.
Remember that your insurance agent makes more money if he sells you more policy, so he/she may not be completely objective.
If you are a homeowner, insuring your home and cars with the same carrier can provide significant discounts. If you have multiple cars then insuring them all with the same carrier is usually cheaper, but not always. First set of numbers to think about is liability, which is the portion of the insurance typically required by state law. This is the part of the insurance that pays others, not you. To figure out how much liability to need to cover, determine your net worth exclusive of residence and exclusive of things that you already own.
First thing to understand is that the maximum payout on either of these is the blue book value of your car, so as you car decreases in value there comes a point where the coverage no longer makes sense. This is the worst coverage of all, having us pay for all the deadbeats who will not pay for themselves. You only need this coverage really if you are driving a vehicle that is worth a lot more than about $25,000.00. Generally if you are hit by an uninsured motorist, then your collision coverage would kick in and take care of it. If the accident is their fault and they will not cover your deductible, then you can take them to small claims court for that part.If your car is worth less than $2000.00 then the payout you would potentially receive from the insurance company may not be worth the premiums.

The Top Ten Cars For Students

While almost everyone wants a car, certain limitations restrict car buyers from buying their dream car. The price, of course, of a BMW for example puts it beyond the reach of most car buyers especially students. That is because of the fact that most students look for cars which are not only affordable but also gives them the highest value for their money.The current Focus is now in its seventh generation and while it cannot match the technologically advanced features offered by other subcompact cars, the Focus is a great car to own. It has good fuel economy for its relatively small size. Another positive thing about the subcompact car is that it is easy to drive. In response to this, a list of the top ten cars for students is offered by cars.about.com, one of the leading online sources of auto information. This vehicle is the right choice for disabled students. The vehicle, as the name suggests, is a Rampvan -meaning it is wheelchair-accessible. One advantage that the xB has over its competition is the relatively lower price. Not only is the xB Rampvan more affordable but it also consumes less fuel than its contemporaries. With the price of gasoline skyrocketing these past few years, the xB is a safe choice for disabled students.
This means that the vehicle can be parked on a crowded parking without posing to be a problem for the wheelchair-bound occupant in boarding or leaving the vehicle.
In terms of safety, it has front-seat mounted side airbags and a roof-mounted side curtain airbags. These safety features can protect the car's occupant from severe injuries in cases of crashes. The least expensive trim level of the Accent though is not equipped with an anti-lock brake system. But for the rest of the Accent lineup, the ABS is a standard feature.The Fit of today resembles the Civic of ten years ago. Since the Civic has been upscaled by the Japanese car manufacturer, the Fit stepped in to take its place on Honda's lineup for the United States auto market. Much like the iconic Civic hatchback, the Fit offers a good handling capability and the fuel efficiency to match. Price is sensible for young car buyers.This coupe is one of the best looking cars on the list owing to the fact hat it comes from the same carmaker which came up with the legendary GTO. While the G5 may share its bloodline with America's first muscle car, it is priced sensibly.

Rounding up the list is the immortal Toyota Corolla. This compact car has been available in the market even before students today were born. Considered as the best selling car of all time, the Corolla's charm and reliability are still present today. Fuel efficiency is good which is what one would expect from a Toyota.

Fuel efficiency is exemplary and user-friendliness is outstanding. In terms of safety features, side airbags are listed as options and it is highly recommend that one should avail of that option.

Saturn Gives General Motors A Boost

The quality offered by Saturn cars tied General Motors with the Toyota Motor Corporation for the fourth place in the Strategic Vision annual quality survey. General Motors and Toyota both trail Volkswagen AG, Nissan Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. The study, which placed General Motors and Toyota tied for fourth, was conducted by Strategic Vision,the brand finished eighth. The brand trails Volkswagen, Nissan, GMC, and Honda brands in this year's survey.
One of the reasons for the improvement of Saturn on the list is their Saturn Aura model which bested popular Asian cars in its segment which are the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, and the Nissan Altima.he Detroit-based car manufacturer introduced new vehicles to Saturn's lineup to attract and lure in more car buyers. " Alexander Edwards is the president of Strategic Vision Inc. The firm tapped 27,000 United States car buyers to get their views on the particular car brands that they have bought or are looking to buy the next time they need a car.Aside from the Aura, the Saturn Outlook, with its European styling and reliable parts such as is a concrete example of Saturn's revitalized lineup.He added that they are "competing at a different level" with the release of their new lineup. Last year, they offered the Saturn Aura and the Saturn Sky and following the release of those cars, Saturn introduced the full size crossover SUV Saturn Outlook.
Johnson pointed out the improvements that their current lineup has over their past models saying that:The brand posted an increase of 69 percent compared to last year's May sales. The brand posted the highest increase in sales of all auto brands in the United States auto market. The May 2007 sales also marked the most number of cars that the brand has sold for a month in its entire history.

Aura Green Line Added To 3 Federal Fleets In Kansas

Three Kansas City area federal agencies added Monday the new 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid vehicles to their fleets. Two vehicles were delivered by the federal General Services Administration (GSA) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 office in Kansas City, Kan.While safety of the motoring public is a key concern of the NHTSA, we are equally concerned about the fuel efficiency of our passenger cars and light trucks," Cooks said. "These types of vehicles will make a difference.This powertrain is rated at 164 horsepower and 159 pound feet of torque. The electric motor or generator bolsters the gasoline engine during launch and under wide-open throttle.
"The Saturn Aura Green Line hybrids are assembled at the General Motor Corp.'s Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kan. The Aura Green Line is a mild hybrid, following the VUE Green Line as the second vehicle in Saturn's lineup incorporating GM's belt alternator starter system.The hybrid has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, which the automaker claims is up to a 30 percent improvement over the Aura XE. The Saturn Aura Green Line is eligible for a $1300 US Federal tax credit, as well as several state tax credits. The hybrid has been on sale since late March this year. One is for EPA and one for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in Kansas City.GSA's fleet management division has delivered 3,581 bi-fuel and 20 biodiesel vehicles to regional federal agencies. Executive Order 13423 is aimed at strengthening federal environmental, energy, and transportation management of the nation.
. Its production is part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn to push the company into the black at the same time to compete tightly with European imports. So far, feedback to the Aura has been positive, both in terms of sales and reviews.

Affordable Auto Accessories Parts

The Chrysler 300 is a throwback to the days of big cars were equal to big money, except now these models have even more power and have also become more affordable. These multi-faceted radios come with color digital display which utilize GPS technology to guide you turn-by-turn to any location in the United States or Canada. The unit also comes equipped with the amazing Sirius Satellite Radio technology.The exterior of your Chrysler 300 should be treated with as much quality and classy auto accessories parts as the interior. Installing an E&G Classics "Phantom" Style Grille for $800 US would make your car look powerful and elegant with its stainless steel design.Each of these dashes is something unique and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.This system comes with a neat antennae and receiver you hardwire to your radio. The expense does not include the subscription to Sirius, which will be around $12.95 a month.Both of these custom car accessories need to be installed professionally. It also requires some minor body adjustments to fit. These suggestions for Chrysler 300 auto accessories parts as well as the others I have mentioned can be found your local auto customization shop. The easiest and probably cheapest way to get them is online.
Here are some examples as to how far you can go to add a luxurious touch with some quality auto accessories parts.

Ford Body Kits

Ford has produced vehicles that are more compatible for modification with body kits. If you want your Ford car to completely look different and look more attractive, pair up a Ford body kit with a car spoiler or new car rims.Make certain that the body kit you order matches the exact specifications of your vehicle. Altering a body kit to fit your vehicle is not advisable. Seize the value of your money by purchasing the correct body kit suited for your vehicle.
Will you install it by yourself or are you going to seek the help of a body shop? Truth be told, only very few companies manufacture body kits that are easy to install.Some vendors sell body kits at a cheaper price including only a limited number of parts. Keep in mind that a complete Ford body kit includes a front bumper, pair of side skirts, and a rear bumper. Do not buy a Ford body kit just because it is cheap. To be sure, it is better to seek the help of an auto body expert when installing the body kits you ordered. Part of restyling or redesigning your Ford car is allotting a budget for the installation cost. It is always better to purchase the parts together to make sure that a proper look and fit will be achieved. not requiring the pricey aid of a professional body shop.

Best collection of Mercedes parts is at AutoBodyParts.

For those who have lust for vehicles cannot afford to miss the name of Mercedes Benz. It is important to note that Mercedes parts are designed in such a manner as to fit with variety of various other car models also. Thus the most important thing that needs prime importance is to search for a company that can offer best qualitygenuine Mercedes parts.It is a famous German brand name that covers wide range of extraordinary vehicles including cars to extraordinary trucks, buses etc.One such name that is not only known for selling best quality Mercedes parts but various other famous brands like Subaru as well is known as AutoBodyParts. It was during that period that it became a basis in many European companies as well as in Japan. At present Subaru is a part of Toyota and is not dependant on any name to define it.
It is the specialty of this company dealing with Subaru parts and other famous brands that it offers guarantee to provide the fit of any of the Subaru replacement part that the customer purchases from here with unbelievable lifetime guarantee. So it clearly means that buying Subaru parts from AutoBodyParts relieves a person from any sort of problem related to body parts throughout the life period until and unless any collision or accident occurs.
In addition if you want to know more about this company then it is better to

have a quick look on the benefits one can get while buying various auto parts from AutoBodyParts. Some of the main advantages are as under:
~It is the most important advantage available to a customer while buying Subaru parts or Mercedes parts or other branded parts from iAutoBodyParts that it offers complete peace of mind in addition to the product.
~etime guarantee: The third most important advantage that one gets while dealing with AutoBodyParts that it offers unmatched facility of lifetime guarantee on various body parts to its customers.

Auto Theft- Avoid Getting Your Car Stolen

Car theft is actually going down in the U.S., but almost 1.2 million cars get stolen every year. There is no reason you have to be a victim. Avoiding car theft is not difficult.
1. Take your keys. Yes, Roughly 20% of stolen cars get driven away with their own keys in them. And since many cars these days won't let you lock the doors without using your key or a button on your key fob, that means cars with their keys in them also were unlocked.
2. Keep your windows up when you're not in the car. An open window makes it easier to unlock your car…or just open the door and get in.
3. Speaking of parking, park in your garage. This is another easy one. If you have a garage, use it. A thief would have to break into your house in that case,.
4. Set your emergency brake and turn your wheels toward the curb. These things make it harder for thieves to tow your vehicle away.
5. Buy a car with an eye toward not having it stolen. This is not something you can do if you already own the vehicle, but if you are shopping, you should keep it in mind. But don't think only flashy cars get stolen. For years, the Honda Accord has been one of the most stolen vehicles.

How to Buy Branded Gifts and Products at Warehouse Prices

Whether you need gifts for the holidays or products for everyday use, these stores carry numerous brands of products to fit every need - all neatly displayed in one catalog-type shop on the Web. You'll discover treasures for him or her as well as many household and home and lawn decor offerings, which can help you time wise when you need to buy multiple gifts along with items for your own use.
Does she adore beautiful jewelry? You can buy a lovely solid sterling silver necklace and earring set online for about $100 with shipping. Or if you're on a tight budget, try a gorgeous earring and pendant set that's gold-plated, cubic zirconia for around $20. And with women's gifts, you can never go wrong with coats, gloves, manicures, bath and body spa gift sets, health and beauty products, or even lingerie if buying for your sweetheart! She'll appreciate the gesture - and you won't even have to tell how much you paid for her gift!
No matter what his likes, you can easily find an affordable gift to suit the occasion. Does he love to go hunting during winter or need a new jumpsuit for work? Brand name jumpsuits can be purchased at a discount store online for only around $120. You can choose the color, style and size to meet his needs. You'll also find reliable hunting gear such as men's coats, bibs/overalls, gloves, pads and comforts, protection and body armor, vests, and shooting range accessories to make hunting trips go smoothly.

For the man who loves golfing, try giving him a nice golf towel. For the sports lover, you can choose from a variety of gifts in every sports category imaginable - football, baseball, soccer, racing, etc.Other home products you'll find at a great discount are those to decorate your kitchen and bath, lamps and furniture for the living room and bedrooms, candles, and rugs. For the garden, save dollars on gardening tools, statues, and gazing balls.

Should Congress Bail Out the Big Three?

Wagoner, who flew in GM's $36 million luxury aircraft to ask for $10-12 billion for GM alone, cost his ailing company an estimated $20,000 for the trip to Washington! Even as the companies are running out of cash, Ford Motor continues to operate a fleet of eight private jets for its executives. GM and Ford say that it is a corporate decision to have their CEOs fly on private jets and that is non-negotiableDetroit's automakers burned through nearly $18 billion in cash reserves during the last quarter--about $7 billion at GM, $3 billion at Chrysler and $7.7 billion at Ford. GM said it may run short of funds before the end of 2008, and Chrysler said that survival would be difficult without aid.
The CEO's claimed to congress that what exposed them to failure now is the global financial crisis which has restricted credit availability and reduced sales. They claimed their problem is neither their business plan nor their long term strategies but the financial situation we are in now. However, for years the Big Three kept building what they wanted without paying attention to the economics of the world around them and the needs of consumers who started to prefer cheaper and safer cars with better millage.

No matter what your political persuasion, no one thinks the auto company executives are doing a good job. It is hard to be sympathetic to an industry that has been so grossly mismanaged. People fear that they are going to take this money and continue the same stupid decisions they have made for 25 years. Let them go down, they say. Taxpayer money will go up in smoke if given to such incompetent management.

Classic Car Value

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With prices hitting the silly season about 18 months before every bubble was burst, the LAST thing you want to do is leave money on the table. You would think with all the sources of information, it would be easy.if you want to sell your house now, you can get comps from the MLS from any realtor.
There is not just one method in my opinion. In order to get the right range, you need to triangulate on a price using several data points.
Prepare for shock at times because the estimated prices can vary. For example, a recent search for a 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible, original, matching numbers, standard options ranged in Excellent condition from $44K to $99K! And Excellent did not mean #1, show quality where the car is never driven, just stored in a climate controlled environment.

Good condition was $28K to $54K. Again, quite a spread.

When I checked some of the listings (did not drill, just read the specs), many read the same, recent (within 2 to 3 year restoration), matching numbers, many original parts, complete documentation, etc. So, you would have to inspect the cars yourself to see who was blowing smoke.

Using these three resources should get you pretty close to what you will pay for your car. The next step is to thoroughly understand the valuation system for classic car cars so you know where "your car" fits, and consequently how much you have to pay. The rating system below is standard.

Excellent: The vehicle in perfect and near-mint condition, either completely restored or an original vehicle with little wear. This is NOT a #1 show quality car that is never driven.