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Options for That Expensive Car Repair

Have you ever been in the tough position of owning a vehicle that is not worth too much money but that needs an expensive repair? Maybe you have recently even dumped some pretty good change into the vehicle for items like new tires, a battery, a muffler, etc. And now it needs a major repair!

You realize that you cannot sell the vehicle for much without getting it repaired, and you know that you can't afford to trade it in on another vehicle.

Given today's soft economy, what a time to face an expensive vehicle repair. What can you do? What are some possible options?

A driver recently wrote to ask my advice. The woman owned a 1998 minivan with 125,000 on the odometer. She explained that the engine was losing oil, smoking at idle, and making a knocking sound. Additionally, It was the only transportation for her and three kids.Read more

TUNEWEAR Releases USB Car Charger

by John Lentz Jr. on Wed, 2008-12-10 12:21

Most people reading this blog are probably technologically sophisticated enough to have, at minimum, a cell phone, MP3 player (iPod), and possibly a PDA or handheld game console. Although the day is near that all of these will be merged into one unit, it will undoubtedly take time before everyone has upgraded to the new all-purpose unit. Given the current state of the economy, it might take quite a long time.

In the meantime, you need to be able to charge your multiple gadgets in the car as well as the home. As annoying as it is to have multiple chargers at home, it’s infeasible to do so in a vehicle. TUNEWEAR realized this and invented an all purpose car charger – the TUNEMAX. Stylish and compatible with any 12V outlet, the TUNEMAX boasts impressive compatibility as well as a self-resetting fuse to minimize accidents.

At 24.99, you can significantly reduce the clutter in your automobile without sacrificing functionality. Go to TUNEWEAR’s site for more information.

OnStar Lets Those Who Drive Less, Pay Less

by jessica on Mon, 2008-12-08 00:30

In these economic times, every dollar counts. In an effort to help families save money wherever they can, OnStar continues support for the Low-Mileage Discount program. This program helps those Americans who drive less, pay less on their automotive insurance.

Using built-in technology, customers who opt-in can save up to 54% just by driving less than 15,000 miles annually. With the subscriber’s permission, the odometer reading from the monthly diagnostics email is forwarded to the insurance company. Based on those readings, the company will decrease premiums accordingly.

Not only does this program cut down on insurance premiums, but it also gives families an incentive to limit unnecessary driving.
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Short Roundup of Cyber Monday GPS Deals

by Joe Stewart on Mon, 2008-12-01 12:12

Best GPS Deals has posted some Cyber Monday sales from Walmart.com on Garmin GPS and Garmin, TomTom, and Insignia at BestBuy Online.

For comparison, refurbished TomTom One 3rd Editions can be found for about $79 from Amazon and Newegg (and others I'm sure).

GPSLodge has more Cyber Monday GPS Deals too. They also helpfully link to Amazon's Electronics Deals for Today.

Have any to add? Just post them in the comments.

Alpine eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth

November 20, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- For consumers hunting for the perfect gift this holiday season, Alpine Electronics has the answer: the eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth. Priced at $149 at participating retailers, the eX-10 won't break the bank, but still provides drivers with top-quality audio playback of all of their favorite iPod tunes and Bluetooth hands-free calling functionality.

The eX-10 makes the perfect gift for upgrading a car because it provides iPod control and Bluetooth hands-free calling features in one device, with all audio transmitted through the car's factory sound system. The eX-10 consists of a 2.4-inch color TFT display monitor that can be installed on top of the car's dash, a wireless remote control and a power module that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter. Read more

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Luxurious Listening

Sony and Sea Ray Combination Offers Premium Audio for Nautical Lifestyles

Sea Ray, one of the world’s most renowned luxury boat manufacturers, just announced a partnership with equally renowned Sony earlier this summer. Beginning in 2009, Sony has signed on to provide Sea Ray yachts with custom-designed audio equipment built to survive the sometimes harsh and demanding environment found on watercraft. This alliance joins two of the most powerful and well-regarded players in their respective markets. Sailing the high seas, or just the neighborhood lake, just got better.

By combining their strengths, Sony and Sea Ray will now offer yacht owners the best in audio entertainment. In these custom designs, Sony has overcome the obstacles associated with fine audio equipments’ proximity to water. Boaters will be able to play their tunes across the ship without having to worry about errant waves or spilled drinks. If a quiet, romantic night at sea is alluring, the right music can be piped into the cabin; if it’s rock and roll you want, this Sony-Sea Ray combination is ready for that as well. Read more

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Get there with the Feature-Rich NAVIGON 8100T GPS

by jeff on Thu, 2008-11-13 15:49

The features on the NAVIGON 8100T GPS unit are amazing. The brushed metal housing and expansive 4.8” display ooze quality and style. When holding this unit you expect performance that goes above and beyond traditional GPS units in the marketplace.

For $599 MSRP this is what you get: a Panorama 3D view, Free Real-Time Traffic Updates (for life), Voice Destination Entry (just say where you are going), Reality View Pro, Lane Assistant Pro, Bluetooth Hands-Free, Advanced Text to Speech, Zagats Ratings and Reviews, Exit Guide, DirectHelp, Speed Assistant and more. For the traveler who expects quality in their trip, this unit will get you there and ensure a great time with ease of navigation.

NAVIGON was founded in 1991, and they not only make their own navigation products, but provide their products for other GPS navigation companies as well. Check them out, www.navigon.com.

For more information read the press release.

Zero to X with 50 ft-lbs. of Torque

by jeff on Wed, 2008-11-12 13:14

This is not your old-school electric scooter. It is a true dirt bike that can race up hills, fly over jumps and scare you if you’re not careful. The 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle is faster, stronger and more durable than the previous version. The manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles, Inc. upgraded everything from the frame to the drivetrain. Could you imagine having all that motorcycle fun without the 2-stroke sound? When someone yells to get your attention, you will actually hear him or her as you jump through the air.

The Zero X also has a programmable power feature. You can limit the top speed to a legal 30 mph for a motorized bicycle, and go between easy and wheelie poppin’ sport mode.

Watch the video of this thing after the jump… Read more

Be Prepared for Emergency Power Problems with the Duracell Powerpack 450

by Joe Stewart on Tue, 2008-11-11 00:30

Much of the US is accustomed to power problems from thunderstorms, but are not prepared and have taken no precautions. Give yourself peace of mind during thunderstorms and while traveling with the Duracell Powerpack 450 to provide portable backup power.

The Powerpack 450 provides AC output at a continuous 340W to power a variety of household devices like laptops and your blender while camping or picnicking at the lake.

The display showing runtime is a very nice feature. I'm not sure how much I would like it talking to me though. But for some people, the voice instructions giving step-by-step usage might make all the difference and give them confidence in emergencies.

More conventional features are a 150 PSI compressor, 2 ft. jumper cables, and a 5 watt lamp.

Get more info from Duracell, Xantrex or read the press release.

Infiniti Reveals New G Convertible Through … Catalog!?

by John Lentz Jr. on Wed, 2008-11-05 15:55

Yes, you read that header correctly. Infiniti is revealing their new G Convertible through Bloomingdale’s 2008 Holiday catalog. Arriving in homes tomorrow, the catalog will dedicate eight pages to the latest of luxury convertibles from Infiniti. The first 199 lucky customers to call starting at noon on November 10 will earn the privilege of being the exclusive owners of the Premiere Edition. The rest of the world will have to wait until the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more developments about this new automobile!