Ten Must Knows When Renting A Car

Most of us use the convenience of a rental car when traveling and generally select a car rental at random right outside the airport or train station. Now things are different you can arrange to rental a car online and specify your pick up and drop off point. There are directories where many companies are featured and you can easily compare the services as well as pricing of different car rental companies.

As a discerning consumer it would be a great advantage if you kept in mind:

1. That you need to keep the paper work ready before renting a car. You need to be over 25 years old, have a valid driving license, have an ID card that is universally accepted, your social security number may be required too. Before you make arrangements, check whether your drivers license is valid where you intend to go. Otherwise be sure to apply for the requisite permissions.

2. Find out whether the car has currently valid insurance and whether it has passed a road test recently. Ask specifically whether the cars papers are in good order and when it was last serviced. Consider opting for damage coverage many rental companies make the offer for a nominal amount.

3. Check what the rental charges cover and whether there is an extra charge payable for drop off and pick up of the vehicle. Some companies offer the service for free while others do charge an extra amount.

4. Always ask for confirmation of booking and read through the terms and conditions thoroughly.

5. Check what the refueling options are. Most rental companies offer conveniences like getting a car with a full tank or filling the fuel yourself. You need to decide what is most feasible.

6. Always comparison shop for good rates. If your dates are flexible ask about special offers and discount periods. Rental companies also run promotional schemes so be sure to know what is on offer and how it will benefit you. If you book early you will get better rates than closer to the date of use. Rates also vary depending on the kind of car you wish to rent. Ask whether you are eligible for any discounts.

7. Choose a car that will fulfill your needs. Find out about luggage storage and racks , how many the car will seat comfortably, and whether or not the heater/air conditioner are working.

8. Most companies will not accept cash so make arrangements to carry a card with a low limit for making payment. Also if your company has a regular contract with the car rental then use their relationship to make arrangements. You will get superior service as well as a god rate.

9. If you are traveling with a companion decide whether the companion will drive the rental car too. If yes ask the company what their policies are regarding an additional driver.

10. Take down the 24/7 numbers of customer service and numbers where the car rental people can be contacted on an emergency.

The keys areas in car rental are good customer service, flexibility, great vehicle selection, and excellent terms and conditions. Rent a car that makes your trip easy not a nightmare.

Auto Parts Online, Auto Parts Online Blog Updating Consumers

It is very hard to locate good blogs. It is much harder to locate satisfactory automobile blogs. And yet, it is even harder to find an automobile blog that would give you precise and correct yet striking information regarding the latest news and features in the automobile world.

It is a good thing, though, that Auto Parts Online has already set up its own corporate blog. Of course, just like Auto Parts Online itself, Auto Parts Online Blog holds updated information, news, tips, and auto tidbits. Auto Parts Online has been constantly and continuously providing consumers with quality and durable auto parts, replacement parts, performance parts, and accessories. This online store has also been offering unmatched, sturdy, and up to date auto parts and accessories for various vehicles. And just like Auto Parts Online, the Auto Parts Online Blog is also constantly and continuously providing updated and latest information on automobiles and cars that would help out consumers, owners, enthusiasts, and aficionados in their search for excellent auto information.

The latest information you can find at the Auto Parts Online Blog pertains to new developments and models in the automobile world. There is an article on the Mercedes Benz S Class that delves into this vehicles bagging in of the Euro Car Body Award for 2005. A post on the upcoming 2006 Chicago Auto Show enthralls readers on some updates regarding the said event. A post on a new innovation in the seatbelt industry will unveil new heights in technology and safety. And an article on an innovation done with regards to vehicle navigation systems would keep you interested and looking forward to it.

Of course, there are other articles and posts available at the Auto Parts Online Blog. Guests and readers would still be able to go back to the oldest item on the blog list if by any chance they missed out on something. Other pieces of information regarding the automobile and car industry have also been posted and made available through this online blog.

Each and every article and post that you can find at the Auto Parts Online Blog has been carefully thought over. In-depth research has also been facilitated so as to provide you ample yet content-rich articles. Articles in this online blog also have been carefully checked and creatively written so as to hold the readers interests.

Automobile enthusiasts, aficionados, and followers could deviate themselves from the usual happenings of their everyday lives and come together through this blog. If you have any reactions, comments, or interesting facts to share, the Auto Parts Online Blog gives its visitors and readers to speak their mind through its comments portion. This comments portion is available at each and every article.

The Auto Parts Online Blog currently serves as Auto Parts Onlines instrument and channel in its continued commitment in providing loyal service for its customer base. This blog also functions as the online stores source of excellent, quality, and up to date information on the car and automobile industry.

2008 Mercedes B Class: American Introduction Delayed?

Mercedes has long looked at the entire U.S. auto market as fair game, meaning it is not just a place where it can sell luxury vehicles, but a place to market low budget vehicles too. Unknown to some American motorists, the Mercedes name is much broader than simply being a luxury make. Like its German rival, Volkswagen, Mercedes sells cars in Europe that compete directly against the Golf as well as against the luxurious VW Phaeton. Still, introducing a budget Benz to America is a psychological hurdle that parent DaimlerChrysler is delaying making a commitment to. Lets take a look at the proposed B Class and the reasons why the model not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.

For starters, the proposed B Class is based upon Mercedes A Class line of cars. Okay, that tells you a lot! In short, the A Class is a true line of compact cars that are popular in Europe. If you were to give serious consideration to purchasing a Volkswagen Golf you would consider the A Class to be its logical competitor. A slightly larger model, the B Class, makes better use of engine placement and design to produce a car that isnt much larger than the A Class on the outside, but is almost as roomy as the S Class is on the inside [when configured as a wagon].

Beyond all of that, the B Class will be built with Mercedes electronic stability program and come equipped with more standard features of any car in its class. Basically, the B Class would be about the size of a Rabbit with all the typical Mercedes gadgets and trim that Mercedes owners prefer. So, if the B Class were to sell in the U.S., most models would likely retail for around $25,000, which is well above the price of a fully loaded Golf.

Published reports via automotive sites and blogs are indicating that the car may not make it to the U.S. due to several concerns. These include:

Cost factor. Mercedes lost plenty of money in 2005 and the company is doing all it can to return to profitability as soon as possible. Preparing any car for the U.S. market takes time and costs money; DaimlerChrysler is loathe to expend money on a project that may not be profitable at the start.

Consumer perception. A very strong psychological aspect must be overcome first and that is consumer perception. While the Mercedes name adorns a variety of vehicle levels in Europe the name is perceived as pure luxury in the U.S. Mercedes remembers Cadillacs attempt in the past to produce a budget Caddy [remember the Cimarron?] and how those attempts failed miserably.

BMW. BMW is also considering importing a budget model, the 1 Series. Expect Mercedes to get serious about the B Class if BMW imports the 1 Series.

Presently, only the sedan and wagon would be imported to the U.S. and any hatch versions would stay in Europe. With available diesel power, the B Class might thrive as customers gravitate to a car capable of cracking 40 miles to the gallon. Introducing the B Class to the American market is a risky proposition, but what is there about selling cars that isnt?

The Tale of the Mazda Protege

Also known as the Mazda Familia in Japan, the Mazda Protege has gone through various forms and various names. Like in South Africa, this vehicle is known as the Mazda etude. In truth, the Mazda Protege, the Mazda GLC, and the Mazda 323 is just one vehicle. They are one and the same. Changes had only been made to its name and of course, there were little furnishings here and there. However, for most, all these point to one vehicle which is the Mazda Protege. These Mazda Protege vehicles are built in Japan. However, the assembly is done on various countries which include Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, Colombia, and in New Zealand.

The Mazda Protege is a subcompact car that is produced by the Mazda Motor Corporation which has its headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan. This vehicle, has been introduced to the United States. To actually tackle information about the Mazda Protege per se, it would be quite a difficult task for there are areas which overlap each other. The name Mazda Protege actually was used starting from 2004. Come the year 2004, use of this name was stopped and was later on replaced by the Mazda 3 which was actually a Ford based vehicle line. That might be the fact behind the Mazda 3, however, Mazda still did give some contributions to this.

Because the Mazda Protege was built in Japan, it was actually sold much more expensive than its competitors which were the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. And since its introduction, it became a favorite among US car magazines. This was due to the Mazda Proteges reputation for bearing, delivering, and providing a spirited handling. This vehicle was the very first small Japanese car to cross over to the EPA compact class. Later on, the Mazda Protege became the basis of other vehicles like the Ford Laser and the Ford Meteor which were actually marketed in Asia, and Australia, and also the For Escort which was also marketed in the United States and the rest of North America.

The Mazda Protege was also known to boast of a European-inspired styling. Aside from having a spirited handling, the Mazda Protege also holds a very comfortable interior, a smooth driving experience as well as grandiose features. It was made available in three trim levels which comprised of the ES, the LX, and the DX. The ES came equipped with a 1.8 liter engine with four cylinders. It was capable of providing 122 horsepower, and the trim level also held bigger front disc brakes and quality standard equipments. As per the other two trim levels, the LX and the DX, both were powered by the very same 1.6 liter engine with four cylinders. It was very much capable of creating an output of 105 units of horsepower. For all three trim levels, made standard was a five speed manual transmission system and given as an option was a four speed automatic transmission system. Other features for this vehicle include the anti lock braking system, side impact air bags, rear drum brakes and all disc brakes.

Chrysler Gives Its Okay To The Imperial

A venerable name in autodom is being resurrected and it will soon grace the body of a large, rear wheel drive luxury car. After a successful concept car debut at a pair of recent auto shows, the Chrysler Imperial will be built and should be in U.S. showrooms in 2010. Yes, it will be a long wait for the Imperials return but the car must first await additional changes within DaimlerChrysler before it can be built. Read on to learn more about the Imperials impending return.

The Chrysler Imperial that has been currently making the rounds at various auto shows has been well received. Visitors have remarked favorably about the cars Bentley like look as well as its cavernous interior and luxury appointments. Currently, the brand has nothing larger or more luxurious to offer buyers who might want to upgrade from the 300C, thus Chrysler has been regularly losing buyers to more luxurious brands, something parent DaimlerChrysler [DCX] wants to stem.

The Imperial name can be traced all the way back to 1926 when Walter P. Chrysler decided to take on Lincoln and Packard with a luxury model all of its own. From its inception, the Imperial has always represented the top of the line vehicle for Chrysler and it has, at various times, been marketed as its own make. Various versions of the Imperial have shown up over the years, with most of them being ultra luxurious versions of Chryslers New Yorker model.

The 2011 Chrysler Imperial will be similar in design to the concept car, but without the suicide doors. Chrysler put the special doors on the concept car in order to make it easier for auto show visitors to see inside the vehicle. Still, reports from the company are indicating that the 22 inch wheels, Bentley grille, boxy body, and leather/wood trim would be included. Prices for the Imperial will not be announced for several more years, but it could retail for as high as $60,000 according to some reports. Currently, the top of the line 300C maxes out at around $42,000.

So, why the hold up? Well, for one thing the Imperial program will be an added expense for DCX. Currently, the company is in the process of making its Mercedes line up more profitable and that involves the expense of updating several models. Based on the Mercedes R Class body, the coming Imperial is likely to be built on an updated version of the R Class platform. Both cars would arrive in dealer showrooms at the same time as 2011 models, hence the long lead time.

The Imperial concept sits on a frame with a 123 inch wheelbase. The car measures 214 long, much longer than the 300C. Reports are indicating that the concept car dimensions are likely to be retained.

For Chrysler fans, the Imperial represents further strengthening of the Chrysler-Mercedes relationship. By using a Mercedes platform, the Imperial can be built and will give Chrysler a much needed product. With a standard V8 mated to a five or six speed automatic the car will certainly not be on the fuel efficient side. However, my best guess is that the car will also come optionally equipped with a thrifty Mercedes built turbo diesel, a first for any Chrysler car.

Arrive in Style: Types of Limousines You Can Rent

The limousine, also called the limo, has come to be associated with luxury, glamour and style. It is used by the government to transport the highest officials of the country. It is used by celebrities riding to red carpet events. It is used by millionaires, business tycoons, rock stars. If youre important, you arrive in a limousineand before youve even stepped out of the car, youve already made a grand entrance.

Even if youre not a politician, celebrity, or important CEO, limousine hire enables you to borrow that high luxury life even for a few hours. It is often used in weddings, important gala nights, or as an upmarket competitor to taxicabs. And for every occasion, there are a number of limousine models that can be used.

The Lincoln Limousine

The Lincoln Limousine is like a large, long sedan, which gives the person riding in the backseat a great deal of comfortable legroom. Sometimes, additional seats are attached directly behind the driver, facing rearward. About five people can be seated in the back of the Lincoln Limousine, and two more with the driver.

However, most of the newer models do not have the additional seats, replacing them instead with video equipment like televisions and video players, as well as a fully-stocked bar.

The Stretch Limo

When youve got a chauffeur, parking is never a problemand good thing, too. The stretch limo, a popular model for partygoers who want to make a grand, Hollywood style entrance, is extremely long. The seats are arranged alongside the length of the car, perpendicular to the driver. This allows groups of people to sit facing each other, making it easier to talk and perhaps even make a toast with the complimentary champagne. There is only one door, unlike other models which have multiple doors for the multiple rows of seats.

Winton Six Limousine

This classic car isnt actually a true limousine, but a circa 1915 luxury vehicle thats a cross between a sedan and a bus. It has multiple doors, with an area for carrying passengers baggage. Because of its vintage feel and Old World charm, it still has a sense of glamour and luxury, further heightened by its rarity. It is sometimes called a Jammer and was once used to transport railroad passangers; today, it is the vehicle of choice of royalty in traditional processions. Ride it, and feel like a king.

Exotic custom limousines

You can actually hire the ultimate stretch limo, customized with luxury features. Some of these customizations employ cars like the Audi, BMW, Hummer, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz and Rollys Royce, although the more popular vehicles that are converted are the Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DTS, Hummer H2, and the Lincoln Navigator. The typical additions are security features like armoring and bullet proof glass, as well as entertainment systems and even the occasional Jacuzzi.

Party bus

When its a large partytoo large for a standard limousineyou can hire a party bus. This can comfortably seat 20 or more people, and can let you hold an event right in the vehicle (as opposed to just using it to drive to one). Features often include surround sound systems, a DVD player, plasma televisions, disco and strobe lights, and even smoke machines. Party buses are very popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties, proms, and tourist excursions. Some rent it for a special and unique birthday celebration.