The Tipping Point
As gas prices hover around $3 per gallon again, American motorists are dealing with high transportation costs, as well as rising prices generally - since virtually everything we need gets to us by motor transport or involves petroleum somewhere along the way.The question is, how close are we to the "tipping point" - the point at which large numbers of people (especially middle class people) can't afford to keep up with ever-escalating fuel prices? It's one thing to grumble about having to pay an extra $10-$15 more per tank; quite another when you literally can't afford to keep on doing so.
New Car Review: 2007 Kia Rondo
As gas prices creep relentlessly (and perhaps, permanently) toward $4 per gallon, American cars are beginning to look more and more like European cars. Well, more like the cars that are popular in Europe (and Japan), places where gas has cost a lot more than $4 per gallon for quite some time.Consider the new Kia Rondo. It's just been added to the Korean automaker's lineup for 2007 and is basically a compact wagon similar to the urban runabouts you see in London or Tokyo.
Pre-emptive Maintenance Tips - And How To Keep Your Older Car Alive Longer
Older cars don't have to be unreliable cars - if you understand the concept of pre-emptive maintenance.This isn't the same thing as regular service - oil and filter changes, tire rotations and stuff like that (though those things are important, too).
With older vehicles, the issues most apt to leave you broken down by the side of the road someplace (or facing an unexpected bill at an inopportune moment) are things not listed in the service schedule but which are almost inevitable as the vehicle gets up there in age and mileage - just like bad knees and wrinkles after 40.
"Out Of The Box" Alternatives To The Traditional Econo-Box
They're easy on gas - and easy on your wallet, too. But unlike the typical low-bucks/high-mileage economy car, these wagon-like, roomy-on-the-inside vehicles are good for more than just commuting. With tall roofs and large doors, they're easy to get into and out of. And with versatile interiors and plenty of cargo space, they can tackle road trips - or trips to the store - that aren't the typical economy car's strongest suit. Several also offer the bad weather bonus of available all-wheel-drive. And all are a lot more fun to drive than the traditional econo-box.Which vehicles might these be?
