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The All-New 2011 VW Jetta: Modernized to Meet Today’s Standards

The Jetta is Volkswagen’s version of the compact family sedan. It started off the production line in 1980 and has been growing and growing ever since to compete with more modern rivals like the Honda Civic. Recently, Volkswagen has announced the new 2011 Jetta which, at first glance, looks like a very exciting car that raises some questions. “Is it as exciting as it sounds?” and “What new features make it exciting?” Well, here are some of them.

1. Styling-The styling of the new Jetta definitely looks more modern and gives it a fresh new look. Volkswagen gave the Jetta a completely new outfit using a styling language similar to the styling language on the mkVI GTIs and Golfs. Compared to the 2010 Jetta, the new one has a completely different look, making it a bit more understated and mature.

2. interiors-The entire interior of the new Jetta looks similar to its predecessor, but with minor tweaks added here and there. There are a few more inches of legroom for rear seat passengers due to the car’s elongation, allowing them to have a more comfortable ride. Volkswagen has also designed the navigation system to be slightly smaller and shaped the gear lever into a more comfortable shape for the driver. In general, the interior of the car has a feeling of high-quality material and has much more space.

3. Price-The best thing about the 2011 Jetta is its value for money. There are three models with the entry level being the S model, followed by the SE model and finally the SEL model. The entry level is priced at around $15,995, which is considerably less expensive than the 2010 Model S priced at around $20,995. The SEL model, with all available options, starts at $24,865 and includes leatherette-trimmed seats, a navigation system, and a 2.5-liter I5 engine that makes about 170 hp.

Overall, I think the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has definitely been updated and modernized to fit today’s standards. It is a very good value for money that will give it an edge over its competition and offers a lot of fun, comfort and convenience to its owner whenever they need to get from point A to B.

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Four tips to help you save money on your car insurance rates

We all know that prevention is better than cure and what better way to prevent accidents and the costs that come with them than to have car insurance.

The thing about auto insurance in the US is that it comes across as a very expensive product. A commodity that no one can live without. Today there are a large number of insurance companies that are becoming very competitive when it comes to their rates. Some even lower their rates without warning. There are a large number of insurance policies and plans to choose from and each one has different rates and different coverages.

There are a lot of factors that can affect the rise and fall of insurance rates. Here are some of them.

1. If you have anti-theft devices installed in your car, it can greatly reduce the cost.

2. Both the make and model of the car can also affect the rate of insurance you will buy. If you have a car with a model that is expensive for parts, expect a higher rate than usual.

3. Your driving record can also affect your insurance rate. If you have a lot of accidents, you will also tend to have a higher rate and have to shop around.

Now that you know some of the factors involved in auto insurance, here are ways to lower your rates.

1. Take care of your car with those auto theft devices and other security devices. Theft is the main cause as to why you have a high premium.

2. Another way to lower your insurance rate is to lower your accident rate. Take care when you’re on the road. Practice defensive driving or you can enroll in a defensive driving course and present your certificate to your insurance provider. This may be the key to some discounts.

3. Drive a model that is cheap to run and don’t buy a car where you can only get parts from outside. Vehicles like this will send your insurance through the roof.

4. Look up your insurance online. This is fast and will find you the best coverage in minutes not days at the cheapest price.

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Unpack the anger before your vacation

With spring break upon us, we’re heading into a travel season in full swing. Shortly after spring break ends, summer break begins. I don’t know about you, but some people seem hell-bent on turning vacations into paramilitary excursions. They have schedules, itineraries, agendas, budgets, goals, supply inventories, and checkpoints. Yuck! This would drive me crazy. I love vacations that take me away from these things. Just getting to and from any vacation can be a job. So what happens when the time you’re supposed to spend “chilling out” turns into another job, demand, or obligation? You guessed it: someone is going to lose their cool.

Have you ever been kicked off your flight? Have you ever had a flat tire on a long drive or lost your wallet while traveling? The holidays are the best time for anger to get out of control.

When we travel, things go wrong and make simple problems ten times bigger than normal. We forget or lose an important personal item. Once, on a weekend trip, my wife forgot her prescribed allergy medicine. Suddenly, a simple trip to the pharmacy turned into a big project. I remember other vacations with friends where our truck was stuck in a ravine for most of the trip.

When things surprise us during the holidays, our usual protections can become ineffective. Along the way, the potential for these problems increases dramatically. Still, we Americans love to travel. We are more spread out than other countries, except perhaps Canada, so vacations, family events, and vacations generally mean traveling by car or plane to our destinations.

If you’re planning a vacation trip to reduce your stress level, you may be expecting too much from the trip. Traveling does not reassure people. It often makes the tension worse. Now, I’m not advocating that people stop taking vacations to exciting and fun destinations. However, I am advocating for a better approach to vacations.

As someone who doesn’t like to be rushed, I like to make sure my vacation really rejuvenates me. Going “around the world” in two weeks is NOT a rest plan. It’s a plan for a heart attack or an outburst of rage. Here’s a short list of things to consider to reduce stress and help make your vacation a smooth one instead of a seasonal career change:

1. Limit the number of events you plan to attend. Take some time to “savor” an experience. If the experience gets boring, you can always add something, but if it’s better than you imagined, you don’t want to shorten it by an abstract agenda. Vacations are for “relaxing and enjoying.”

2. Make room in your schedule to change it if someone else can’t keep their emotions to themselves. Remember, other people will be stressed by overplanning your trip to the same destination.

3. Minimize alcohol consumption. Nothing ruins a break faster than someone who is out of control. There are other ways to relax that are safer and much more effective.

4. Make the experience about the experience, not the expense. If you have a list of souvenir addicts at home, order things online when you get home. Your vacations are your time, not that of others
weather. He wouldn’t want his spouse to stop a romantic evening dinner to take a business call. He doesn’t let his family keep him from getting the rest he needs.

5. State your vacation goals to the rest of your group. If your children want an exciting and action-packed vacation, but you want to sunbathe on a terrace, this will only create conflicts that spoil everyone’s good time, including yours. You may want to plan two separate vacations: one for the kids and one for yourself. If you really need to rest, plan on taking yours first to be “in the mood” for your good weather.

6. Be in your own vacation photos and take fewer of them. Do not take all the photos because it seems that you were not there. Be part of the history of the trip. Many places record videos for you. Let them, while you enjoy the experience.

If you’re having trouble planning a vacation without getting angry or stressed, visit www.angremanagementbakersfield.com or on Facebook: Ken Bomar, MS CART.

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Edmunds Reveals Most Wanted Vehicle Winners – Editors and Readers Differ in View

Edmunds.com recently announced the winners of the sixth annual Edmunds.com Consumer Most Wanted Vehicle Awards. Apparently, however, Edmund’s editors and readers differ greatly in what they think is important and desirable in terms of a new car or truck. Edmund’s readers agreed on only 8 of 32 of the most searched vehicles with the editors.

By a sizable margin, the 2007 GMC Acadia won the flagship award, which is Edmunds.com Consumers’ Most Significant Vehicle of 2007. The next-best ranked was the 2007 Saturn Aura, with the 2007 Honda Fit coming in third. However, the Toyota Tundra was the readers’ choice for the flagship award.

Among manufacturers, on the other hand, Chevrolet led the pack, winning five awards, while Cadillac and Honda tied for second place, each winning four awards in this year’s survey.

The 2007 cars that took home the awards were GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Civic and Mazda 3 (tie), Saturn Aura, Acura TSX, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac STS, BMW 5 Series, Lexus LS 460, Honda Civic, Ford Mustang , Infiniti G35, Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, Kia Rio5, Mazda 3, Audi A3, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series (tie), BMW 5 Series, Toyota RAV4, GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook, Chevrolet Suburban/ GMC Yukon XL/Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade/Cadillac Escalade ESV, Saturn Sky, Honda S2000, BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac XLR, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Silverado/2007 GMC Sierra, 2007 Honda Odyssey and 2007 Bugatti Veyron 16.4.

The GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV, and Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra were deemed “twin vehicles” that were placed together on the ballot. As described in detail in the Edmunds.com article titled “Twin Vehicles,” these vehicles are built on the same chassis and share most of their interior and underhood components.

Aside from the Toyota Tundra which won in two different categories, the other vehicles Edmunds readers agreed with were the Honda Civic (in two different categories), BMW 5 Series, Porsche 911, Kia Rio5, Mazda 3, Audi A4 and the toyota tacoma

Edmunds.com editor-in-chief Karl Brauer said these awards provide a good idea of ​​what consumers are looking for in their next vehicle, and this year, consumers expressed the view that national markets are developing cars and trucks. very attractive. .

In the meantime, details of all award winners are listed on the Edmunds.com website.

Edmunds.com, the first online consumer automotive information resource, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information website. Edmunds Inc. publishes four websites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders.

Volkswagen, maker of quality VW strut inserts, was not chosen by either the editors or the readers. Auto analysts say this is because the German automaker still needs to improve its image in the US market in order for Americans to like its concepts and buy its cars.

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Before You Buy: A Checklist for Buying a Car

There are actually four areas to consider when buying a car. You must determine:

  1. The vehicle you need (versus the one you want)

  2. The value of the vehicle (what it is worth)

  3. The financial considerations for the purchase (how you will pay for it)

  4. and the mechanical integrity of the car (is it mechanically sound)

Of course, there are some differences. between each make and model, but we’ll cover the general brushstroke of topics as a bulleted checklist.

Car Buying Checklist: Determining the Right Vehicle for You

When you buy a car, there are beautiful things and essential things. It’s up to you to decide which is which. If you live in a temperate climate, you may decide that it’s a good thing to have air conditioning. On the other hand, if you live in Dallas, Texas, or Gwinn, Michigan, air conditioning and heating may be more necessary for the summer or winter months, respectively.

Similarly, if you often do business from your car or taking the kids on long road trips, you may find built-in Internet service a must. If, on the other hand, everyone in the family has their own phone or tablet with Internet access, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot would be unnecessary.

Create your perfect car. Do your homework and visit the automaker’s website to see what features are available on different makes and models. Make a list of what you want in a vehicle. The vehicle you ultimately purchase may not have everyone of the pretty-to have. But you must have all need-to have. If you make a list, you can find the one that best suits your preferences.

Determine what it’s worth. There are several sites to determine the value. Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book are popular places to assess a vehicle’s value based on features and condition. If you have a trade-in vehicle, be sure to determine the value of your existing vehicle as well, because that will be part of the deal.

Determine what you can afford. If you plan to pay cash, the decision is easy. However, if you plan to finance your purchase, your credit score directly affects the interest rate on your loan. Credit scores below 690 generally incur higher fees. Remember, the cost of the car is not its sticker price minus any trade-in value and incentives. Includes interest paid on the financing of any loan. Financial education sources like The Financial Acumen Course teach how to improve your credit score to save money. It’s up to you to protect your credit and avoid being exploited by predatory lenders, so shop around. Don’t go overboard on credit by buying more cars than you can afford.

Inspect the vehicle before you buy it. You want to buy a reliable vehicle, not a maintenance headache. Any purchase of a used vehicle is a situation in which the buyer must be careful, even if it is done through a reputable dealer. If you have a mechanic, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 for a full vehicle inspection. If you don’t have a mechanic, there are a couple of stopgap alternatives. You could take the vehicle to a third-party repair shop that does state inspections as a cheaper option. However, if you feel comfortable and knowledgeable doing so, you may inspect the vehicle yourself. Among other things like the brakes, the silencer and the suspension, Check the oil. You can tell a lot about the condition of the engine by looking at the condition of the vehicle’s oil.

Doing a self-inspection on a vehicle takes a bit of time. It’s a dirty job, but if you’re familiar with cars, it’s your cheapest option. Pre-purchase inspection is a must for both your peace of mind and to reduce hidden repair costs.

Once you have found the most suitable vehicle, made sure you have the means to pay for it and checked its mechanical integrity, you’re ready to move on with your new set of wheels.

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Honda Civic Hybrid Review: The Pros and Cons

Are you worried about how high gas prices are affecting your budget? Is caring for the environment important to you? Do you want a reasonable price because it looks great and is fun to drive? The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid is the car for you.

This hybrid vehicle uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This combination gives its owner better gas mileage. It also helps with air pollution since the emissions are lower. The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger sedan that gets 40 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. You don’t have to sacrifice looks to get great fuel economy.

Interior and exterior features reflect the Honda Civic. This car comes with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM)* with voice recognition and a 160-watt CD audio system. The exterior is described as futuristic and elegant. Long windshields and a rear deck spoiler add to the modern look. You’ll save money and travel in style.

Safety is an important factor when buying a vehicle. The 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid has side curtain airbags, dual-stage front airbags, side impact beams, antilock brakes, the child safety seat latch system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. . You’ll never have to plug this car in to recharge its battery, it doesn’t need special gas, and it comes with the same warranties as a regular Honda. Prices range from 22,600 to 24,350.

You can find more information about hybrid cars at ProHybrid.com along with video news, reviews, and tools like price quotes and an auto loan calculator.

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Excellent Gas Mileage – Imported Chinese Cars Coming Soon

Get ready Americans, the Chinese will soon introduce fuel-guzzling cars to the US market. Many of the designs are quite sexy and cost less than a third to make. The Chinese hope to take these big gas-guzzling machines and compete against General Motors, Ford, Honda, Daimler Chrysler, Toyota and Kia. These small, compact cars will have 22 percent better gas mileage and are sure to strike a chord with the American consumer, provided there isn’t too much backlash from automaker union workers.

With Toyota gaining 17 percent market share against General Motors and Ford, it looks like Toyota will have the most to lose, however General Motors and Ford can no longer afford to lose. The Wall Street Journal reported that these mid-priced Chinese cars will be here in 2007. That doesn’t give American automakers much time to get their act together and start selling more high-mileage, economically improved, environmentally friendly cars. .

For those who doubt whether Americans will allow Chinese cars to become the car of choice and shell out $20,000+ for the old one; I suggest you review your recent track record and look at the market exploits of Kia, Daewoo, and Hyundai, who stole market share from the Honda Accord, Toyota Tercel, Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus, Ford Escort, Chrysler K-car, and even General Motors. best-selling Geo found it difficult to compete. The Chinese are coming and they are going to sell us cars and lots of them.

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6 Secrets of the Funniest Places to Eat in New York

Taking a bite out of the Big Apple is an entertaining and satisfying experience. There are so many places to go in the city that can make your taste buds go into overdrive. But if you’re like me, New York City always calls me by my name and convinces me to visit it again and again. This famous place known for making dreams come true is also quite famous for its culinary experiences. And that’s what I love about eating in New York. Whether it’s grabbing a hot dog in Manhattan on the way to a show, finding a hidden little Thai restaurant in Chinatown, or even hitting up a fancy nightclub like Jekyll and Hyde right in town, it’s no secret the sky’s the limit. for fabulous food.

1. New York Gorilla Cheese:
I love a good trend and I also love a good grilled cheese sandwich. There’s a place in our hometown whose menu is centered around this all-time favorite, so I wanted to see the New York version that goes on the road. Gorilla Cheese NYC is one of the most famous food trucks in the city and for good reason. The sensory overload menu is packed with aromatic cheeses, fresh bread varieties and toppings so you can choose exactly what you want in your sammie. I ordered the feature of the day, the Brooklyn Special, a perfect combination of asiago, parma prosciutto in a carefully crafted upside down panini. I think it was the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had. And then I topped it off with their mac and cheese bites. It was two thumbs up. It’s nice that this meal was a “roader” and I had a few blocks to get to my next location so I could walk over it and satisfy the calories.

2. Jekyl & Hyde Club:
OK, Jekyl & Hyde Club is not a place for the faint of heart. Located at 91 7th Avenue, their tagline is that anything can happen at their food club and it’s true. Prepare to be scared to death or entertained, whatever you want to call it! I was on pins and needles and I wasn’t sure if my mind was only on the menu. Its dark, dimly lit atmosphere reminds me of Halloween and the old ’60s TV series, Dark Shadows. The creepy actors and waiters interacted with us while we ate creating a unique “what’s next” vibe. But I was very happy with the delicious, albeit creepy, menu. Mom left my mind wondering about the ingredients and who was cooking in the kitchen. The burger is covered in cheese, for God’s sake! We ordered the pizza with the Cannnibals sausage, pepperoni and meatballs. Then we accompany her with a familiar bottle of beer. They have a huge, monster sized drink menu that won’t scare you away!

3. Garrett East’s Dinner:
Wow, nothing like looking for your food. This small, but infamous set is hidden, so only those in the know know about this little gem. Fortunately, we did. Our colleague knew someone who knew someone who got reservations for us. He only seats about 20 guests and reservations are a must. He reminded me of Carrie and the friends from Sex and the City who loved going to the hottest new places. Dinnertable’s Mexican food was delicious and ready in a New York minute, which is great news when you’re starving after a long day in the city. The seafood was extraordinary and the fact that we were behind an unmarked locked door made for a great experience.

4.Freeman:
This delightful little out-of-the-way beauty is in the Bowery Alley and has been serving up spectacular food since 2004. Hmm, just the idea of ​​eating in an alley may not be your thing, but think again. Freeman’s Restaurant is rustic and inspired by Old World American traditions, so there’s a little bit of American history built into every dish. I was drawn to the grilled whole Edenbrook trout, the beluga lentils, and even their popular half-roasted chicken. My favorite was the Pan Roasted Tile Fish crispy potatoes, black lentils, saffron aioli, spring onion vinaigrette that I shared with my sister. Once you finally get a table, you don’t want to leave. The sensory experience is like no other and the service is excellent. Freeman’s takes reservations…get this…one month in advance and for groups over 13, you have to reserve your table a year in advance. That’s planning! They say one part of the dining room is walk-in, but if you decide to visit on a whim, you might find yourself waiting and waiting and waiting at the bar and then eating there too.

5. Bohemian:
Exclusive, modern and private is how I would describe the Bohemian, a Japanese restaurant and bar. This hidden gem is coincidentally located behind a Noho, Manhattan butcher shop. The trick of the day is that you have to know someone to get in. I can’t even believe we were able to bookmark a table because it’s so exclusive and mysterious. I immediately fell in love with the low layers, the artistic atmosphere and the Asian vibe. The historic building used to be the home of the infamous artist Andy Warhol and later the popular 1980s graffiti artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. As someone who appreciates the arts, the creativity and history of this building was overwhelming and a bit sobering. Now for the food. Prepare your chopsticks and your appetite because everything on the menu is as extraordinary as the setting. I ordered a bucket of oysters and enough saki for a sailor. Andy Warhol would have approved.

6. Tehuitzingo:
What’s up! Okay, I can never say, but I can certainly recommend it! This unique palate pleasure is tucked away in the back of a bodega (a small grocery store in a Spanish speaking neighborhood), open until midnight and get this, you just have to part $3.00 for one of the hottest tacos! memories of your life! This secret is found inside Tehuitzingo Deli and Grocery in Hell’s Kitchen, making the experience even more memorable. Trust me, you won’t walk away hungry, far from it. The portions are family size and deliciously authentic. Note that there are no tables. That’s how it is. You get a stool to lean on the counter or to stand on. All you need is your appetite and sense of Mexican adventure. You can also grab a jar of salsa or other grocery items for a take-home bout of snacking later.

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Are you a direct marketing failure? The Barefoot Millionaires Present No. 3 in a 10-part series

In this third installment of the 10-part series, the experts at The Barefoot Millionaires dissect another of the 10 most common reasons people fail in the direct marketing business.

Reason #3: Lack of Persistence

We’ve all been there: looking in the mirror, disgusted, or at least a little annoyed, by what we see staring back at us. Michelins, fish belly, skinny arms, you name it. We all have our own crosses to bear.

But the point is this: at that moment, we make a change! We decided that enough is enough and this time, dammit, let’s get in shape! So what do we do? We went out, bought a bunch of workout gear and a hundred-dollar pair of running shoes. Then we go home, we take off the labels and we are THRILLED for the first day of our new muscular, lean and sexy life.

Impressive. But what about… the second day?

Experts like to say that the first The step is the most difficult, but I don’t think so. Think about it: many people make the first move. I have taken several “first steps”. Actually, the most difficult step is the second. This is the one most people don’t take.

But why?

Because most people are amazing starters, but they’re horrible finishers. In fact, most people don’t finish… quit. It is as if the event never existed.

The “why” is easy: success is hard! The initial fire fades, that buzz is gone, and there’s nothing left but the hard work.

How is this extremely common condition avoided?

Two ways:

1. Don’t start anything. Stay exactly where you are. It’s not so bad, right? Prayed…

2. Persist!

What did you expect? A silver bullet? A secret sauce? Those things don’t exist, and if you’re counting on that to be successful, change course immediately. The recipe for success is very simple: decide you are going to take action, take action, and keep adjusting and pushing forward until you succeed. That’s it! Write it down, get a tattoo, whatever. Just take the action.

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Electric car parts: what are the main parts of electric car driving systems?

Electric cars are different from fuel powered cars. They have a simpler driving system that gives these cars the necessary energy to roll through the streets for a reasonable time. Whether it’s a golf cart, RV, tricycle, or any other electric powered vehicle, your system should have the three main parts of the electric car, the motor, the controller, and the battery.

The electric motor is the most important of all the electric car parts in your vehicle. It is the part responsible for the propulsion of the car and it comes in three popular types, the DC coil, the permanent magnet DC, and the AC motor. AC is the most complex but it is the most efficient at the same time. It is usually used in these vehicles that need extra power to move and climb steep hills. On the other hand, DC winding is the simplest and easiest electric motor to install, but it produces less power than AC. It is sometimes preferred due to its lower cost.

Number two in the important parts of the electric car is the battery. While some cars use standard car batteries as a power source, more advanced cars use Ni batteries as a more efficient power source that provides additional range of operation for the vehicle. They require less time to charge and provide more power for the connected motor.

The third part of the electric car parts is the controller and this part is responsible for power management, it detects the amount of power needed by the motor and supplies it directly from the batteries to make the car move. The controller is very important because it synchronizes the operation of both the motor and the battery.