AUTO XTREME CAR

After its previous appearance in a Super Bowl spot with a Motley-Crue-inspired theme, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited made its official launch at the Chicago auto show as a range-topping model included on this year's mid-sized Optima line-up.

Upon its debut, a lot of car experts, automotive journalists, and observers at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show noticed that the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited is not just an ordinary Optima. In fact, these individuals have suspected that the Limited is fully loaded with a lot of features not found on its siblings. As time goes by, these suspicions were eventually proven to be true.

Compared to the other Kia Optima trims, the Limited flaunts a unique look and more intimidating stance. These characteristics were highlighted by the Limited's new fascias in front and rear. In addition to this, the LED running lights located on top of its fog lamps, the lower door sills, and the rear spoiler tipped with chrome further suggest that the Optima SX Limited is very much different from its siblings.

Under the hood, the Limited is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sourced from the Kia Optima SX. This engine is capable of producing 274 horses and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission as well as the sport-tuned suspension used on the Limited was also sourced from the SX. Due to this, the Limited's fuel economy ratings of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway are similar to that of the Optima SX.

When viewed inside, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited looks more upscale compared to the other Optima models included on the line-up. The Limited's cabin provides a more elegant and prestigious feel. Its door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel are adorned by genuine would trim and this layout further improves the overall appearance of the Optima SX Limited. In addition to this, the door panels, center console and seats were embellished by Nappa leather.

On top of these, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited is offered with the standard equipments such as the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled front seats. Aside from those, the SX Limited is also equipped with metal pedals, Infinity audio system with speakers, and a navigation system with a built-in back-up camera.

Due to the abundance of standard features included on the vehicle, the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited became one of the most admired vehicles that were presented at the 2012 Chicago auto show. In addition to this, a lot of individuals that were able to take a closer look at the vehicle agree that this was probably the best vehicle that Kia has produced.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Visit our site to get a free price quote, and read our 2012 Kia Optima Review.

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In today's day and age where prices of everything is going up and the income is constant many people are opting for buying used car as opposed to buying a new car. The main point you should keep in mind while getting it is that you need to spend some good amount of time on it and check the car properly. There are many such dealers available who are in the business of selling used cars and it is always better for you to go for a dealer which is well reputed in the market and is having good years of experience behind them in this field. Below mentioned are some of the tips which will help you to buy a used car for yourself which will worth the price you will pay for it:

• First of all you need to browse through the internet and make a list of such dealers in your locality. Then prepare a list of cars in which you are interested in and check whether the dealers whom you selected deals in these cars. You can get in touch with the dealers and ask them about the range of cars which they have for sale. It will help you in further negotiations.

• Now when you are ready to negotiate the deal, you should go to these dealers and have a look at the cars which they have. You should inspect the cars which interested you and take a test drive. It's always better if you take a trustworthy mechanic with you to do the inspection as they have experience in this field. While inspecting the car, you should make sure that everything is in good condition. Check the condition of the tires and the body of the car for the signs of rust and ripples as ripples indicates that some repairing has been done.

• While visiting the dealers, beforehand only you should prepare a list of questions which you are going to ask. Get information about from where the dealer has got the car and the amount of maintenance done on it. In case the car has run for more than 10,000 miles then ask if the timing belt or chain has been changed. Taking these steps are essential before sealing the deal.

• It is very important that you check all the documents of the car and make sure that they are in intact and up-to-date. Ask the dealers for the registration papers as these documents are necessary while transferring the car ownership. Always confirm that the seller is the first owner of the car. Check other documents like insurance certificate, pollution certificate, BMC or municipal certificate, road tax and other documents. Only after being assured that all the documents are in proper position you can go forward and seal the door.

Only after going through the above mentioned tips, you should consider buying a used car. Also since there are many such dealers available in the market, do some amount of research and go for the one which suits your needs and budget aptly.

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It's safe to say that a car manufacturer probably doesn't want to land on a list of the least dependable car brands. J.D. Power and Associates, an organization targeting car consumers, recently compiled a list of the least dependable car brands for 2012. The rankings are based on a survey conducted in the fall of 2011 of more than 31,000 owners of 2009-model cars and trucks to document their concerns regarding vehicle quality. Here are ten vehicles that have the dubious distinction of being the least dependable car brands for 2012.

1. Chrysler/Dodge

Chrysler, once known for quality, actually ranks just behind Dodge when actual scores are compared. Both vehicles share the same transmissions, engines and platforms. It's only the skins that differ. To be fair, these are the 2009 models produced during the height of possible bankruptcy issues. This may have had a negative impact on quality that could have been corrected - or at least improved upon - in later models. In fact, a recent Wall Street Journal report suggests that the car maker is working to boost quality for its 2013 models, starting with the Dodge Dart.

2. Jeep

While still not showing an impressive quality ranking, the Jeep brand has improved over its previous ranking. The company made some internal changes in 2009, including tweaking the engine and boosting fuel-economy. Otherwise, no new or redesigned models were introduced. Common quality issues on the 2009 models included poor electrics, leaky transfer cases and transmission issues. Surprisingly, Jeep owners seem willing to embrace these like quirks as part of the experience of being a Jeep owner. Yes, it's a Jeep thing.

3. Ram

In 2009, this was known as the Dodge Truck. Today, it exists under the Ram banner. The 2009 model was described has having a 'bolder styling" and a stronger Hemi V8. Leaf springs were replaced by a new coil suspension. Despite these improvements, the Dodge Truck continued to suffer from transmission issues and drive-line vibrations. The cargo version of the Grand Caravan also falls under the Ram brand, but doesn't do the brand any favors. Common issues include air conditioning and electrical issues. Price discounts are likely responsible for impressive sales figures.

4. Jaguar

This is one brand making a noticeable drop in quality from the previous ranking. Just a decade ago, the Jaguar led the industry in terms of quality. Since then, numerous electrical issues in previous generation models have quickly changed that status. Even just a few years prior to 2009, the Jaguar had maintained relatively high rankings. In 2009, the car maker retired the entry-level X-Type and the S-Type due to poor sales and replaced them with the XF sedan. Unfortunately, the expensive new brand has some of the classic faults of the Jaguar brand. This includes transmission issues and problems with some of the high-tech features on the vehicle.

5. Infiniti

Nissan's luxury brand didn't exactly have a stellar start in the '90s, but the 2003 G35 sedan fared much better. Infiniti actually earned a rep for performance with its VQ35DE V6 engine and other standout features. Infiniti customers haven't really voiced too many complaints, at least when compared to other brands online. So why the reason for the slip? It appears to issues with upgrades and other design touches that caused the brand to drop in quality ratings.

6. Volkswagen

The German automaker hasn't really earned a rep as far as dependability goes. It looks like that could be changing. While VW still ranks among the least dependable brands, it actually improves over previous rankings. German engineering may not be set to truly dominate anytime soon, but the car maker is making an effort. The 2009 Rabbit earned praise because of its 2.5 L inline five cylinder engine and the 2.0 L TDI turbo-diesel four. Unfortunately, the 200-hp 2.0 L turbo gasoline four is double-edged sword. It has features drivers tend to enjoy, but its glitches can be downright frustrating. Add to that low battery life and it's clear to see that there's still work to do.

7. Kia

Only one new model was introduced in 2009, otherwise the automaker rolled over its previous models. This may account for some low dependability scores for a brand that usually ranks pretty well. The problem here seems to be a lack of updates from the previous model year. Old designs aren't subjected to new assembly techniques. The result is a drop in performance by default. Word is that upgrades are planned for future models. This may kick Kia off this list eventually. Time will tell.

8. Suzuki

The Japanese brand has had a hard time earning major brand recognition and consumer loyalty. However, owners of Suzuki cars don't really have a lot of major complaints. In fact, Grand Vitara and SX4 compact owners are usually pretty happy with their vehicles. The automaker is working to expand its model range, which could take it off this list in the future as long as the quality holds up. It appears to be more of an image problem than actual mechanical or performance issues that placed this brand on the list.

9. Mazda

Mazda, on the other hand, doesn't have much of an image problem. Plenty of people have heard of Mazda. So what's the issue then? The B2000 truck and Mazda 323 continue to earn praise. Even the "zoom zoom" advertising slogan is a hit. Mazda owners have complained about issues with automatic transmissions, air conditioning and electrical issues. Premature rust is another common complaint. Poor suspension has been an on-going problem with the Mazda 5 mini-minivan. This leads to issues with the tires and shocks. The Japanese automaker only added one completely new model in 2009, the Mazda 6 sedan. On the plus side, it is this one new model that has earned praise for its style and reliability.

10. Mini Cooper

Styling and handling remain desirable traits of this brand. Owners love the retro interior and other design selections. Worn clutches, oil leaks, problems with air conditioning, electrical glitches, issues with timing belts and carbon build-up and other engine problems really take away from any positive points. Great styling can't mask performance issues. The motor has parts crafted by French automaker Peugeot and German automaker BMW. Maybe that's part of the problem.

The results are found in the 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study. The news, overall, is good for the car industry. When compared to results from the previous study, 25 of 32 car brands improved their scores, with only six slipping. A big issue spanning most brands on this list appears to be lack of updates from the previous model year. With many of these same brands planning major upgrades with future models, this list is likely to reflect that trend.

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Used vehicles are much better from the stand point of value for your money. A properly maintained pre-owned car should lead you to the same comfort as that of a new one. Keeping that in mind, once you choose to invest in a pre-owned vehicle, it is important to take certain points into account when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

A used vehicle requires more frequent checks for any defects, as well as frequent replacement of parts which can be costly when compared against the preventative maintenance a new vehicle requires. To begin with, the initial purchase cost of a used vehicle may be a little less than that of a new one, but, as years roll on, the maintenance costs continue to grow at a faster rate than you would encounter with a new vehicle.

Although there are routine maintenance checks and services that any vehicle will require, your pre-owned one will most likely call for more frequent service appointments and a more detailed level of care. With that being said, there are specific points that will help you maintain your used vehicle's condition and bring small issues to light before they turn into larger, more costly ones.

Don't Drive Excessive Miles at High Speeds
If you properly maintain your pre-owned vehicle with periodic checkups, there is a greater guarantee that your car will last longer. Try not to give in to the 'need for speed' as this will lead to excessive wear on the tires, clutch, and other parts. On the other hand, also avoid keeping your vehicle idle for long periods of time.

Get Regular Oil Changes
Vehicle makers advise to change the oil in your car once a year. Alternatively, you can even do so after you drive 7,500 miles. Still, for best results, it's recommended to change it after every 3,500 miles. Changing the oil is essential as it affects the performance of the engine. As you drive more miles, the blow-by increases. This, in turn, results in unburned fuel dumped into the crankcase which leads to dilution of the oil. Because of this, the oil breaks down and consequential wear and tear increases drastically. Over time this leads to the engine breaking down.

Check Your Fluid Levels
It's crucial to check fluid levels such as power steering fluid, coolant, and oil regularly. These liquids are essential to a properly running engine and a low level often signals bigger issues internally. If you're not sure how to check or what to be looking for, ask the mechanic during your next oil change. These are all items that should be checked during this service appointment anyway, so it's no inconvenience to ask.

Check Tire Conditions
It is important to check the condition of your tires and, after a certain period of time specified by the manufacturer, get them replaced. Be sure to inspect the air pressure in the tires including the spare once a week. Low pressure will lead to increased fuel consumption and low life of tires. Similarly, high pressure would lead to less stability and grip on the road. Also check the wear with tread wear indicators. These are located in the form of small ribs in the bottom of the main tread grooves. When the tread surface is visible at the same level as the ribs, the tires must be replaced.

Brake Maintenance
Brakes are the most significant parts in controlling the motion of your vehicle. As yours is a used vehicle, you should have checked the brake pads and rotors at purchase point. Depending on the level of wear from the previous driver, you may need to replace one or the other. If not, make sure to regularly inspect the pads to see what kind of wear your own driving habits have produced. A good point to remember is that the brake pads in the front wear more quickly than those in rear. Also, always replace them with original brake pads and rotors. This also gives more safety to you while driving.

Replace Windshield Wipers
While driving, good visibility is absolutely essential. For this, each windshield wiper should be of good quality and the proper size for your vehicle. Otherwise scratches may develop on the windshield or the wipers may not perform correctly, leaving rain or snow in your line of vision. At a minimum, get the windshield wipers replaced once a year.

Keep It Clean
You should feel as if you are at home when you're in your vehicle. Don't clutter up the console, compartments, or seats. Regularly vacuum and dust the interior and only keep hoses or tools of sorts in the truck area if absolutely necessary. You and your riders should have enough space to move freely within the car.

When it comes to servicing your pre-owned vehicle, it's advised to visit a reputable dealer, as he will employ experienced technicians to take care of your vehicle. Moreover, you'll have peace of mind knowing that the mechanic will replace any damaged parts with genuine, factory ones.

Keyes Cars is an auto dealership specializing in new and used cars, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles. If you have ever searched for used cars using keywords used cars Los Angeles or car dealerships Los Angeles, visit this dealer who has a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience satisfying their customers' needs.

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One of the most popular vehicle models that bowed at the 2012 Chicago auto show is the 2013 GMC Acadia. Upon its first introduction into the market, this model was able to establish itself as one of the best in its class. As a result, General Motors has decided to upgrade this model and this eventually led to the production of the 2013 GMC Acadia.

When the 2013 GMC Acadia was unveiled at the 2012 Chicago auto show, a lot of car experts have noticed that the latest version of the iconic crossover model has received a major facelift from General Motors. This simply means that most of the dominant features of the previous year's version were changed and these changes allowed the new Acadia to have an image of its own.

When viewed in front, the 2013 GMC Acadia has a muscular stance. Due to this, the latest version looks more capable and intimidating. Thanks to its new upright design and the three-bar grille that was installed on the vehicle's front fascia. In addition to this, the vehicle is now fitted with a pair of LED running lights and these are offered as a standard feature of the vehicle.

Aside from the upgrades that were implemented in front, the Acadia's rear was also subjected to a few changes. The current model is now equipped with a wraparound rear glass and a new rear spoiler. The vehicle's rear bumper was redesigned and the primary purpose of this was to make the Acadia's front and rear portion quite coordinated.

General Motors has also revised the interior layout. But instead of using hard plastics and other cheap components, the company's designers decided to use more soft-touch materials   inside the vehicle's cabin. Aside from that, the stitching that was used to fasten the soft-touch materials in place was also remarkable. On top of these, the ambient lighting that was installed inside the Acadia makes the vehicle's cabin look more elegant and upscale most especially at night.

In terms of performance, the 2013 GMC Acadia is still capable of towing a maximum load of up to 5,000 pounds. Its 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 engine allows the Acadia to generate a maximum power output of 288 horsepower. The engine is mated to an improved 6-speed automatic transmission that provides a better shifting response and drivability. Given this engine and transmission, the 2013 GMC Acadia with a front-wheel drive system obtains the fuel economy ratings of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist providing helpful tips and advice which powers the Car Finder at the Car Finder Service website.

Visit our site to get a free price quote, and read our 2012 GMC Acadia Review.

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Are you looking for some tips to buy Car Tyres? If the answer is yes then you are reading the right article. In this article you will find some tips and techniques which will help you a lot in buying right tyres for your vehicle. Tyres are one of the basic parts of a vehicle. It is very essential to invest in high quality tyres. The quality of the tyres affect both performance as well as safety of the car. There are many things which should be considered while buying car tyres and another automotive parts. Lets go through them one by one.

One of the factors which should be taken in consideration while buying the tyres is the season. Nowadays you can find specific tyres for different seasons. Tyres chosen according to the season ensures the safety of the driver.

The next thing which should be taken in account is the condition of the roads. The tyres should be designed according to the local roads.

If you are concerned about the external beauty of the car then it is a great idea to go for stylist tyres. Nowadays tyres can be enhanced according to your needs.Customized tyres can improve overall look of your car.

One should always plan his budget in advance. Proper planning of budget can help a lot in choosing right tyres according to your needs.

It is a great idea to visit a professional before buying any type of automotive part.

Nowadays there is lots of talk about tubeless tyres. This is a new advancement in automobile industry. These type of tyres are beneficial in many ways.

The size of the tyres should also be kept in mind. The size of the tyre varies according to type of vehicle you are driving. Bigger tyres always give better acceleration and increases the point of contact between the road and vehicle.

You should always have some knowledge of tread pattern. The tread is designed to provide optimal grip on the road surface. Nowadays you can find three types of treads - Conventional, unidirectional and asymmetrical.

The type of rubber used to manufacture the tyres decide the life as well as performance of the tyres. So it is a good idea to go for tyres made up of high quality material.

One should also check for warranty as well as guarantee. This help a lot in longterm maintenance of your vehicle.

If you are looking for more information then it is a good idea to visit Continental Tyres

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Jeeps are one of the most admired and highly coveted vehicle brands in the world. If you own a Jeep, it must need pampering and professional care not only in the exterior, but the interior. Most Jeeps are purchased for the purpose of off-roading that involves the hard drive to rough terrain, dirt roads and ravines including rivers. Due to the rough conditions that the Jeep is subjected to, wear and tear cannot be avoided. Driving in the harsh environment does not mean that you should not be comfortable during the drive. It is a must to have the Jeep seats that are soft and comfortable.

The bestop seats of the jeep are subjected to all hazards including varying temperature from extreme cold and heat. The abuse suffered by the Jeep seats wreaks havoc to the upholstery no matter how much care and protection is regularly provided. It is only the bestop seats that provide the hassle-free seat care solution. In order to effectively maintain the original upholstery of the Jeep seat, the best that should be done is protect it with the use of a Jeep seat cover especially if the Jeep seat is one manufactured by bestop seats.

If the Jeep seat needs a replacement, the bestop seats can provide you with the desired comfort and protection as long as you know the specifics of the Jeep make and model including the year of manufacture since it is common for manufacturers to update the Jeep accessories especially when a new model comes out in the market. The signs that you need a replacement for the Jeep seat are protruding cushions and broken springs.

Most Jeep owners prefer to have the wind on their faces when they are driving but the weather conditions often prevent them from doing so. Most of the Jeeps have the hardtops but this can easily be replaced with the bestop supertop where you can enjoy the open air feeling by just removing the rear and side windows and folding the bestop supertop at the back. If it suddenly rains, you won't have a difficult time in folding it back again. You can easily return the windows and you are enclosed from the rain.

There is also this thing called the summer tops similar to the bestop supertop that is recommended only for the summer heat. It only covers the head but allows the sides to be open in order not to suffer too much from the direct sunlight. It just shades the head and the eyes thoroughly.

Enjoy the great outdoors with friends in your Bestop seats built for comfort and durability. Designed to enhance the styling, comfort, and functionality of your truck, Jeep, or SUV, Bestop seats and Bestop Supertop products are sure to deliver an unforgettable off-roading experience.

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