The Zenn automobile is an electric car made in Canada with sales of 200 cars in the USA for 2007.

The Zenn gets the equivalent of 245mpg and costs $12750-17600 if you are lucky enough to live where it's approved for purchase.

Currently it cost approximately 80% less to fuel up a Zenn than a traditional car. This leads to less green house gas production and if your power is nuclear even less green house gases are produced. Along with the environmental benefits this car reduces dependency on middle eastern oil.

This car is made in Canada yet ironically only British Columbia has made it legal to sell in Canada. Which is an almost unthinkable reality for Quebec where it is actually produced, as the CEO Ian Clifford laments. I'm sure Mr Clifford is thinking of moving to another country to set up production every time he is forced to fill up his gas powered car in Canada. George Bush's and local state legislature's policies on the environment appear to be putting Canada's and Quebec's to shame.

Currently this car is classified as a NEV, 'Neighborhood Electric Vehicle' so it has speed limitations imposed on it of 25-35mph by law and is meant for slower speed neighborhoods or inner city areas with lots of traffic. There is a kit available online to reprogram the limit if you want a little extra and are willing to chance it. They hope to have a highway capable version out in 2009 and hopefully law makers will get behind them and raise their limits of 25-35mph to something a little more practical for city driving, 40-45mph would be plenty for the city where we often average 20mph or less in traffic. Why they aren't allowed to drive as fast as a scooter boggles my mind, it's infinitely more safe.

With most people using their cars for short trips of less than 40 miles this is looking like a practical alternative, or perhaps used as a second car for each household for shorter commutes. With the price of gas increasing every month I look forward to plugging my car in for a fill up using local coal or nuclear power, saving the environment, saving money and bringing the troops home, and then hopefully achieving some Zen.

The Nissan Skyline has been one of the most impressive cars ever built dating back to its inception in 1969. Back then it was a four door sedan which won thirty six races in less than two years. Fast forward to today, you will find a beautiful work of art which still has all the bloodlines of its predecessors, now accompanied by state of the art electronics and its first debut in the Americas.

The new GT-R is a twin turbo VR 38 motor, which pumps out an impressive 480 horse power. All this power allows the GT-R to accelerate from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. This is what Nissan claims on its website; however in its first actual test in Japan by Edmunds.com I believe, it accelerated from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds, impressive! All this power gets to the wheels via an all new six speed duel clutch transmission which can shift in two tenths of a second. After this power get through the transmission it is poured into an all wheel drive system with a tri-differential and all wheel drive transfer case.

Now I have been around to a few forums and I have read some comments on YouTube. One of the comments that keeps popping up is that it does not come with a traditional six speed manual configuration. I am guessing this is for two reasons. First, if you have a transmission that is designed for racing and can shift in 0.2 seconds why have a traditional manual? I am sure someone's retort will be, "its more fun." To that I say you are correct. However this does bring me to my second point. For those of you who do want to control your RPM's it does come with column mounted 6 speed sequential paddle shifters. Granted you do not have control over your clutch, but look at the bright side, you can't burn it out or grind gears.

The GT-R comes standard with 20 inch wheels and the performance edition has nitrogen inflated tires to lighten its curb weight. To stop this bad boy the GT-R is equipped with four internally ventilated 15" Brembo disk breaks which bring it from 60-0 in less than 120 feet. The GT-R also is equipped with a real time data display which lets you assess your driving skill in real time, something that is not found any other car in its price class. The GT-R starts at around $69,000 and maxes out just under $72,000.

I must say I am partial to the GT-R and I am very excited that it is coming to the United States for the first time. This car has been designed to run with Porsche's around the track and drag with the Z0-6. I am interested to see what the corvettes numbers look like this year and I await the road test to pit the GT-R against the Z0-6.

P.S. To all of you, who are thinking and commenting about the ZR-1 Corvette, just remember it's probably going to be around 20 to 30 thousand more than the GT-R.

One of the great ills plaguing our society today is road accident claiming lives and property. Indeed, the menace of road accident is seriously and dangerously threatening the very existence of our own society. Our newspaper in screaming headlines, report almost daily on the incidence of road accident here and there all over the country. Lives are no more safe? Can one day pass without a road accident? There is a general feeling of insecurity on our roads. As a result of re-occurring of road accident, people have given series of suggestions concerning how the case of road accident can be checked. But do we proffer solutions to something its causes have not been identified? My view, therefore, is that the causes of road accident be traced before it can be checked.

First, the deplorable state of the nation's roads is unremarkable. Very narrows roads and roads without road marks or lanes are common in this part of the world. There are several instances where drivers try to avoid potholes only to collide at high speed with oncoming vehicles. There are many cases while driving; the driver will not see oncoming vehicles due to up-hilly topography on our roads. Most of our roads are covered with trees and weed, which obstruct the sight of drivers. Can we have a local, state and federal government that will use tax payers' money to build good and durable roads? Can we have a system where such roads will be maintained regularly? If the government of our day can spend good money to build and maintain our roads this will help life safety.

Likewise, the rate at which the tanker and trailers' drivers disturb and damage the road is alarming. If most of our roads are dualised and there are separate roads for trailers, our roads will be accident free and drivers will travel smoothly. There should also be an alternative to major roads in case of any traffic jam on the road, this will prevent many road users from spending too much time on the road.

In addition, Alcohol is a contributor to road accident. You may have heard it many times: 'drinking and driving do not mix'. Unfortunately, not many people pay heed to this advice. Most accident has occurred under the influences of intoxicating drinks. The matter of alcoholic consumption by drivers is a major threat, which has little or no attention in the past years. The threat posed by the drunk drivers has reached an unprecedented level and Nigeria rather than a witness a decrease in fatalities caused by drivers driving under the influences of alcohol like most countries involved in the fighting against road safety crisis, is having a dramatic increase in road crashes. Such avoidance road crashes should be blamed on poor enforcement, which has been largely attributed to lack of breath-testing facilities, inadequate resources of the FRSC (Federal Road Safety Commission). Scientific evidence and acknowledged research findings prove that consumption of alcoholic by drivers is a contributory factor to increase in roads accident in developing countries. Countries that have experienced drastic reduction in road crashes are due to zero tolerance of alcoholic while driving and anti-drink driving. A bill should be passed compelling all alcohol manufactures to act socially responsible either by providing a counter measure to the negative effects of their products and establishment of an agency that will militarize against Drunk Driving.

Similarly, ignorance and illiteracy also contribute to the increase rate of automobile accident. It is a pity that many road users perish due to lack of knowledge. Most of our drivers are illiterate, they do not understand for instances, traffic light, traffic rules, even the use of vehicle light. Imagine how beautiful life will be if all Nigerian drivers on our roads know the importance of attending the mandatory driving school! Imagine if they could pass the driving test in theory and practical. There is a need for more public enlightenment for all road users on road related regulations. Roads users should have first aid knowledge because this will go a very long way to save the lives of accident victims. To a very appreciable extent, lack of education and non-attendance at a driving school are taking toll on human lives. Also, introducing of defensive driving technique will help prevent collisions, reduce the effect of collision and survival driving to stay alive.

Moreover, under-age and unlicensed drivers are contributing factor to road accident. Anybody who is not full of age (below 18 years) and drivers who are even above 18 years and are not licensed to driver on the road should be prohibited from using our roads. Some drivers' carries expired driving license having the wrong believe that once licensed, forever a driver. Parent should take keener interest in what their children do, to guide against under-age driving, drivers carrying expired driving licenses should not use the road until such licenses is renewed. Law enforcement agents should be up and doing on their jobs. Traffic offenders should be treated as such without fear or favour.

Similarly, the rate at which drivers drive recklessly cannot be over emphasized. Some of them see over-speeding as a display of ego, some even enjoys it. But come to think of it, how can driver control his car in case of an unexpected obstacle on the road while driving at a very high speed? At times, passengers will even try to caution them but often time they prove stubborn. There should be a speed limit to which any driver should drive on the road and anybody who violates the rule should be prosecuted accordingly.

We need to look into the issue of the kind of vehicles used on the road. The age of the vehicle is not the issue here but the road-ability of the vehicle should be of more importance. In an extremely strict manner, vehicles that are not road worthy should be sent to the recyclers ASAP. No vehicles should be on the road without having road lights, driving mirrors and other basic things. If using a car key cannot start a car, it has no business on the road in the first place. It can break down on the road at anytime and causing obstruction and accident subsequently. Similarly, any car that does fit should be thrashed. It should not be a matter of life and death to have car on the road.

Also, night road users should be discouraged. In fact, a law should be made against to forbid night travelling in country like Nigeria because of the poor state of its roads. Accident occurs in a broad daylight let alone driving in the night on poorly illuminated roads. Darkness on our roads made complicated by non-road worthy vehicle lacking driving light should be given attention, one should be able to distinguish a car is coming or a motorcycle.

On this note, Road safety as a subject should be advocated as part of our national school curriculum. Even as FRSC has extended her tentacles to the school in respect of Road Safety Clubs, we should not relent in actually having an entrant into the secondary and primary school curricula. Government should provide the enabling tools for FRSC in order to facilitate easy fulfillment of road safety mandate such as communication gadgets, towing vehicles, cranes, patrol cars and the likes. Besides, government should ensure that the FRSC operatives should be adequately remunerated so as to be well motivated and dispense with, with the urgency desired.

In conclusion, am optimistic that if all the solutions proffered are implemented, road accident will reduce to barest minimum if not totally eradicated. Therefore, our society will realize the goal of 'Safer Roads, Fuller Livers'.

There are plenty of places and ways on how you can save more when looking for a car. One of the best approaches would be to find cheap repo and seized cars for sale. If you're lucky enough to come across a trusted source, you will find a wide selection of models and types such as SUVs, RVs, trucks and many more.

The number of vehicles seized by the government from unlawful individuals grows so much at some point so they need to auction them off as soon as possible. The only way to guarantee immediate sales would be to sell the cars at a very cheap price so you may be surprised to find your favorite model 10% to 50% cheaper than its original market value.

Cheap repo and seized cars for sale may be available in your local area if you check for updates. It is also very easy and reliable to find a source online. You will be presented with the available vehicles as well as updates on bids and offers. Take note that even if the vehicle may have been seized due to unlawful means, everything else in terms of legitimacy will be taken care of to ensure that you are the rightful and legal owner once you purchase.

You will realize how much more you can save by investing in cheap repo and seized cars for sale. A lot of people have started businesses by getting stocks 90% under the book value. Most cars especially those from a fine source are in good condition. Take time to find at least one trusted source that can provide you with quality and decent price.

If you're not saving on your gas fillips yet, you should be doing so. Everything in life that cost money has a way around it so you don't have to pay full price. So, how exactly do you save on gasoline fillips? The concept is simple if you know how to use it. It's called a gas credit card.

A gas credit card can you work you wonders if you know how to use it right. If you're not good with credit cards or you simply have a really bad credit score, I would advise that you steer clear of a credit card like this because if you don't pay your bill off in time, you're not going to get the full benefits of a gas card.

If you already have a gas card or you're thinking about applying for one, you're going to have to know how to make the rewards work for you before you actually start swiping the card at the local drug store. By now, you should know that for every dollar you don't pay off on your credit card bill, you're going to be charged with the APR rate. Depending on your card, this will vary but a majority of the times, it will be above ten percent depending on the credit.

The reason you're going to want to pay off your bill in full each month is because if you don't, just put two and two together. If you have a one thousand dollar bill and you only pay off nine hundred dollars, you'll have one hundred dollars to spare. Those one hundred dollars are going to be tacked with the APR. That difference alone won't be equal or less than the rewards you're getting because let's say you get three percent knocked off that one thousand, that's thirty dollars, if that. Now, with the one hundred dollars, if your APR rate is fifteen percent, you're going to pay fifteen dollars for every hundred dollars each year. This can add up quick.

How can I pay off my bill in full?

This is so easy, it's incredible. Before you make a purchase with your plastic, make sure you know how much money you have on hand. This will include your checking account, etc. If you don't have enough money to make the purchase, simply don't make it. You're going to have to treat your credit card as if it were a gift card. If you can use this concept, you'll make the most out of your rewards. If you know you can't do this, then a credit card won't be for you.

A credit card can work wonders for you at the pump, it's up to you to make sure you discipline yourself. No one else is going to help you but yourself. If you can play the game right, the rewards will work for you. If you know you can't play the game right, then as I said a few other times, it would be best you stick to hard cold cash.

Are you interested to find out more about you can use hydrogen as a car fuel? It may be because you want to avoid rising gas prices, and it is indeed true that many drivers like me are using hydrogen from water to run our cars today. With gas prices going up and up every day, I am glad that I have discovered water fuel technology.

1. The Secret of Hydrogen Car Fuel

People all over the world are converting their cars to run with water today. This was a previously unknown technology, but has seen a significant amount exposure lately due to the sharp increase in fuel prices. The truth is, you cannot yet power your car 100% on water. A combination of gasoline and water is needed. Drivers will need to build a low cost system into their cars that allows it to extract H2 gas from water first.

2. What Are Other Ways To Avoid High Gas Prices?

Even though I would say that using hydrogen fuel is the best alternative if you still want to use your car, there are several other common alternatives that people are using. Public transport is a popular choice for people living in big cities, or you could choose to buy a new hybrid car, although they do not come cheap.

3. Why Are More People Switching To Hydrogen Fuel Technology?

By using this technology to power my car, I have found that the engine can run quieter and smoother, and my gas mileage has increased as well. By burning hydrogen, there is also less unburned fuel emitted from my exhaust system, thus polluting the environment less.

Most important, many cost savings benefits can be realized with this invention. By running your car on water, you can also get an IRS refund like a hybrid car. This system can be easily built from home for less than $150, and has been helping me save a lot of money because of the lower levels of gasoline I need to buy.

Why is it beneficial to buy a salvage car?

You know, buying a salvage car can be very beneficial. If you need to purchase a car very quickly, salvage car auctions are created specially for you. The cars there are to be sold as soon as possible, so the process does not occupy much time. If you desire to save some money, then salvage car sales can also help you in this business (up to 95% off retail value is a very serious bargain). You CAN purchase a repo or salvage car but the question remains: why only a salvage vehicle? There are a lot of sales of new cars. If the question appears in your mind, I'll try to assure that you need to buy just a repo car.

It is very cheap.

As I've already said it is very cheap. If you need to buy the first vehicle for your son, purchasing a used car is the right step here. And, certainly, you can buy a second car for yourself, if feel a necessity for it. You can say that you have one quite nice car and you are not going to purchase another one.

Using salvage car for body parts.

But you know, today you can purchase salvage cars for different uses. And now I'd like to present you something that can be quite useful for you. The crux of the matter is that you can use repo cars not only for the vehicle itself but also for details and body parts for your present vehicle. As you know cars tend to break sometimes and it is rather difficult to find a broken-down detail! Surely, you have an opportunity to come across the missing body part looking at various sales. However, how often you can't find something you really need! What need you to do then? You need your car to be repaired as soon as possible but you can't deal with it without just a small thing. Nevertheless, there is a solution! You can try to buy salvage car body parts. I mean you buy a salvage vehicle and disassemble it for a missing detail. Of course, it is difficult sometimes to find salvage car body parts that will match your car, if you manage to find an appropriate car model, you are the winner! Your broken car will be saved!

If you have never participated in a free government auction then you are missing out on a lot of really good deals on seized and surplus properties. These auctions are free to the general public and only require that you are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver\'s license. There is no cost to participate in these auctions; that is until you make a winning bid.

There are two types of government auctions; the seized property auction and the government surplus property auction. The types of items up for auction at these two types are different because of where they come from but you will find great deals at either type. You will also find auctions that combine a mixture of the two making for a better cross section of stuff to choose from.

A surplus auction is basically an auction of the stuff that federal, state, and local governmental agencies no longer want or need. These aren\'t really high end items like you might find at a seizure or repo auction but it is in good shape and can be had for pennies on the dollar. You will find cars, trucks, boats, office supplies and furniture, computers, and in some instances even aircraft.

For top of the line items you can\'t beat a seized properties auction. Those who walk on the wrong side of the law and get caught often find their personal property seized by law enforcement agencies. After these items are used in the prosecution of those who committed these crimes they are put up for auction to the general pubic. You will find sports cars, luxury sedans, high end SUVs, jewelry, real estate, electronics and a whole lot of other items for big discounts.

There is no profit motive for these government auctions. They simply want to recoup the costs of storing and processing the goods that end up on the auction block. This is why the starting bids are so low which can lead to great buys at hugely discounted prices.

You can also participate in the auctions online, which can make to whole experience that much more fun. The large online auctions sites keep constantly updated databases of auction locations and the items that are to be auctioned off. You can research everything to be auctioned off and decide which items you would like to bid on right from your computer. Once the auction starts you can bid online while keeping track of the proceedings.

You can also use the online portals to find auctions near you that you can attend in person. No matter your choice, bidding online or attending in person, you stand to save big when participating in free government auctions.

Eleanor is not a person but a muscle car. This Gone in 60 Seconds 1967 Mustang is the complete embodiment of what muscle cars are all about.

Usually powered by a V8 engine, muscle cars were monsters of drag racing world back in the 1960's until early portion of 1980's. With extremely powerful torque, these cars are really going to give you a jaw-dropping ride. Muscle cars are no doubt fast cars with high horse power capability.

The moment you look at such cars, the first things you will see are their bulky curves and high-performance z rated tires which are true affirmation of the reputation that muscle autos are very much known of.

Muscle cars are different from sports cars we have today though some models are inspired by cars like the Ford Mustang. Though sports cars are fast cars like muscle autos, they surely won't last a minute with the supreme torque that muscle autos have - which perhaps makes Eleanor the perfect Gone in 60 Seconds car.

The interiors of muscle cars are real statement of high performance, road warrior type of vehicle. The almost nil sign of elegance and the all heart-pumping design of muscle autos' interiors match their rock and revving integrity that many a cars today try to copy but all in futility. The moment you turn it on, you can't help but notice the fiery breathing of muscle car's engine. The hissing and guzzling is like that of a dragon sleeping always ready to get the tracks burning.

When you hit the gas, the dragon's V8 engine charges in an instant ready to devour all things that block its way... just like when Vin Diesel of The Fast and The Furious rages against the wall and hits the road with such awesome roar.

If what you are looking for is the car with an attitude that never allows being a second rater, muscle autos are the right choice. But prepare to be awestruck with the price because as of now it's of a collector's item kind of thing since you can not easily find one in the market.

However, there are companies and groups that want to bring back muscle cars on the road and these groups are actually buying old muscle autos and reconditioning them to make them roadworthy again.

There are a number of reconditioned muscle cars that can still be found nowadays. There is the all-time favorite 1966 GT 40, 1970 Superbird, 1968 Shelby GT500KR Fastback or 1969 Barracuda Convertible. These models of cars were once kings of the road in the 1960's up to early part of 1980's.

Although muscle autos are now rare species, there are a number of clubs that relive the greatness of muscle cars. These groups stage races and events all with the purpose of having some fun and reminiscing those days when muscle autos ruled the streets.

And thanks to the Internet, people around the world who share common interest in muscle cars now have a dependable means to showcase the glory of muscle autos and allow the younger generation to see the real muscle in high-performance driving via muscle cars.

This winter I went to a neighboring city for the day. When I left home it was partly sunny and I thought a light sweater would be enough to wear for the day. At the last minute I did take my jacket. In two hours time the weather changed to blizzard conditions. It was snowing, blowing, and the electricity went out. Because of the storm I was a bit concerned and wondered if I would even be able to make it home because of the blizzard. I thought I had every thing in the trunk of my car I would need incase I couldn't make it home through the storm so I felt secure in being prepared, (or so I thought).

I checked the trunk when I got home and found I didn't have any emergency supplies. What a rude awakening for me. I had taken out my organizer with my first aid kit, blanket, emergency kit, everything else I had for emergencies and had never put them back.

This past week I was out of town and my daughter noticed one tire on my car had gone completely flat. I confidently told her to use the' fix a flat can' in the trunk to get my car to the shop to have it repaired. It is an inflator and sealer for tires. It is a foam, very easy to use and will allow you to drive on the tire for several miles until you can get the tire fixed. I had to use this product several years ago and I know it works. What peace of mind such a simple thing gives to me when I am driving in my car. I don't have to have a jack or tools and it seals and inflates in minutes.

No matter that the weather or circumstances it is a good idea to have some basic supplies in our vehicles. That means in very vehicle we or someone else in our family drives.

Here is a list of suggested supplies to keep in our vehicles in case of an emergency:

Booster cables and/or...A 3-in-1 12Volt power station. It includes,

1) an emergency jump start system;

2) a 12 volt DC power supply which is a portable power source for lights, radio, cell phones;

3) long-lasting illumination for roadside emergencies, work areas and camp sites.

Car Jack You may have to use it someday so it is important to know how to use it. (Actually practice changing a tire before an emergency arises).

Spare tire Check it monthly to make sure it is pumped up and in useable condition.

Fix A Flat in a can
A first aid kit.
Road Flares

There are roadside emergency kits you can buy that are ready to go.

A sleeping bag, blanket. I carried an old quilt in my trunk for years thinking it was warm. We had to put it to the test and found it was not warm at all. Select a blanket to keep you warm. It can also come in handy if you are changing a tire and have to lay down on the ground. A flashlight that works, check to see if it the batteries are good every three months. Water to drink

Sit down and think what you might need in case of a break down or an emergency when you are in your car and make up your own kit for your specific needs.

Keep everything organized in a container that fits your vehicle whether it is in a car trunk, jeep, truck, SUV or mini van. The peace of mind you will have from being prepared is worth its weight in gold.

It could be argued that I've never grown up, well mentally anyway - I'm far from being Peter Pan (I'm not ginger to start with), however when I was literally 'growing up' I wanted to be a fighter pilot. The thought of cruising the earth at warp speed seemed a delightful idea until one fateful day, when some dream shatterer proclaimed: "You'll have to go to war you know". Suddenly this well crafted career choice from a six year old was shot down. Then developed the fear of flying, the poor eyesight and technophobia - not exactly Top Gun material (although I do feel the need, "The need for speed!")

Now I'm older and mildly wiser than my six year old self, I can nip to my local Saab dealer and pick up a luxury 9-3 and have a fighter jet for the road - sort of. Speed is very nice indeed you see and Saab cars are a bi-product from the Swedish giant that started life building planes. With this in mind let's take a wander down memory lane and talk all things 9-3.

The original Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aeroplane Company - must've picked up Swedish from my hours spent lost in Ikea) was established in 1937 with the remit of building planes for the Swedish Air Force. However, with World War Two drawing to a close, the company decided on the production of passenger cars to prolong its business. Its very first car, the 92, so called as it was the 92nd design in Saab's history was perhaps unsuprisingly the most aerodynamic car available - although it couldn't take off.

By 1970, Saab had built and Saab dealers had sold their 500,000 car. In the late 70s and throughout the 80s, Saab became renowed for turbocharging their cars to give customers the formidable cocktail of power and aerodynamic efficiency. As a result sales throughout the 80s were strong, until the competition caught on and Saab suddenly found themselves with more cars than they could sell and a heap of debt. In 1990, General Motors snapped up the company, initially with a 50% share with Swedish company Investor AB, before aquiring the entire business. With this steady footing, Saab made a profit in 1995 - its first since 1988 and with its new-found confidence and finances, the 9-3 was born.

Replacing the outgoing and profit making 900 model, the 9-3 was launched in 1998 and can be found nestling either new or used at any Saab dealership. The car featured curvy lines and innovative features including the 'Night Panel' which only lit up crucial instruments on the dashboard at night to lessen distraction. Both the 9-3 and its big brother the 9-5 were the first cars in the world to achieve the maximum side impact safety score, based on NCAP testing.

The first generation also featured the fighter jet for the road - the Viggen. Named after its namesake that actually is a plane and meaning 'thunderbolt', the Viggen was a madcap limited edition return to Saab's glory days of turbocharging. Less than 3,000 were produced worldwide and critics complained of torque steer in low gears due to its uncontrolled power. In an effort to keep things on the black stuff, a special spoiler was fitted to add 50% more downforce and a revised bodykit reduced drag incredibly by a further 8% over the already slippery design. Enough statistics though, put simply, if like me you've ever wanted to be a fighter pilot but have a host of reasons why you can't, a 230bhp Viggen will sort that. Just think when you're next asked by the pretty lady in the office what you drive, you can say "I drive a thunderbolt". Just don't put your foot down too rapidly or the critics will say "told you so" as you're climbing out of the hedge with a rapid termination of relations with office lady.

If the above is too vulgar though, the 9-3 second generation and facelifted 2008 models may be to your liking. The best selling derivative is the convertible, under the bonnet of which is a turbo tuned in three stages depending on how quickly you want to get a speeding ticket. Unlike the Viggen however, the second generation goes about its business in a grown up way and is suitable in equal measure for speed freaks and businessmen. Once again the 9-3 features a host of gizmos - particularly ones that will save your life, such as head restraints that reduce whiplash. Unfortunately ejector seats are not listed as an option in the brochure.

So there we have it - ten years on the 9-3 continues to deliver the very Saab combination of opulent aerodynamic design and council estate ferocity under the bonnet. Saab is also the exclusive royal warrant holder as appointed by the King of Sweden, so you get a crown on the badge too - take that BMW man.

Go to any car dealership and you can be certain you'll come across a used Ford Mondeo - it is a fact as inevitable as the world being round or water being wet. Supplies of Ford cars are plentiful - used Ford especially so - with competitive pricing and popular styling just two features of a car company making arguably the best cars it ever has done.

There are two histories the used Ford Mondeo sitting on the forecourt could have in its logbook. The first history would reveal a mid-thirtysomething salesman with many motorway journeys under his belt (and many corporate lunches too no doubt). His suit jacket having been lovingly hung up in the back as it accompanied him on his travels and sales pitter patter. The second life the car could've had would be the all purpose, all conquering family pet. Muddy football boots, furniture from Ikea and mountains of glitter from a night out would all have come into contact with the Mondeo.

Whether the car comes with life history 1 or history 2, it doesn't matter. Either way the car would've faithfully carried out it's duties and has only appeared on the forecourt because either: a) salesman didn't sell enough and was sacked, b) salesman sold lots and was given a new Mondeo, c) family had another child and bought a people carrier. A good buy on all accounts then, but before you decide on which colour to go for, let me fill you in on the birth of the Mondeo and how it made Ford's accountants' life expectancies rise dramatically.

Replacing an institution is tough. Whether you're singing Freddie Mercury's parts for Queen, acting James Bond in the latest film, or playing rugby instead of an injured Johnny Wilkinson for England, you'll be more closely scrutinized than the original. And so was the case with the Mondeo. Entering the showrooms in 1993, the new car replaced the much-loved granddaddy, the Ford Sierra. Despite its global market, the European arm of Ford was haemorrhaging money and had developed the unenviable reputation of making cars the accountants wanted. This resulted in poorly built vehicles that were as interesting to look at as a Monet in a cardboard box.

Things started promisingly (not for the accountants mind) as the Mondeo shared very little in the way of parts or design with its appalling 90's predecessors the Escort and Orion - resulting in high development costs. Top pub quiz fact: it was the first car to have a drivers' airbag across the entire range. This forward thinking from Ford meant it topped many safety test standings and appealed to companies not wishing to give their staff death traps and of course families. Sales rocketed and it was named European Car of the Year in 1994.

One criticism was that the styling was still more cardboard box than Monet. A facelift in 1996 addressed this to such a degree, that only the doors and roof remained the same as the Mk I model. The corporate Ford oval was incorporated into the front grill giving the car a more curvy and playful look. Still no Monet but the palette was starting to take shape. The facelift was as well-received as Jackie Collins' and this helped boost sales further although the additional outlay from Ford did mean specification levels dropped, meaning wheel trims were back and alloy wheels were consigned to the optional extras order form.

Over the next four years, with Ford's European fortunes taking a drastic u-turn for the better and as the new space-edge Ka and Focus models were being launched, the Mondeo was suddenly in need of another shot of botox. As the new millennium dawned, so did the Mk III Mondeo - the car that more than likely stands before you at the used Ford dealership. Although it was in the same design club as the Ka and Focus, it wasn't considered part of the 'New Edge' Ford design and therefore sat in the corner of the club looking restrained. A more expensive, Volkswagen Passat inspired interior is the stand-out feature, which looks expensive because it is.

Combined with further safety enhancements including the excitingly titled 'Intelligent Protection System' (IPS) which was a system that basically decided for you which life-saving features to use in the event of a crash. It was the most popular large family car for its entire 2000 - 2007 life-cycle. It is too early to comment on the latest Mk IV model, although it did find its way into the latest Bond film 'Casino Royale' for a brief scene, before being swiftly replaced by Bond's orginal Aston Martin DB5 (what did I say about following an institution?)

To summaize, the Mondeo may be the most popular vehicle of its class and therefore buying one will result in you being as unique as a Manchester United supporter, but it has sold in it's droves for a mutlitude of good reasons. The choice as they say, is yours.

OK, we all know that to fill the family vehicle up with gas these days, one has to take into consideration the cost that will appear without mercy on the digital readout of the gas pump. No matter how we whine and blame others for our dilemma, the fact is that the prices are what they are and we have to live life anyway. Sure, you can bury your head in the sand and pretend that it will work itself out but truthfully, these gas prices aren't going anywhere but further up. So, that being established and settled, one must honestly cultivate a plan to combat this unwelcome intrusion on the family budget. We have had enough bad news about how high these gas prices may go. Now, lets focus on what we can do about it.

There are the obvious things that people suggest like driving less, watching your speed and making schedules to ensure that you are able to complete tasks along an efficient route when you're out and about. Of course, there are those that take the drastic actions of trading in their less fuel-efficient vehicle for a motorcycle or scooter. But before you go that far, lets look at the tools available today to help today's drivers cope with today's and tomorrow's gas prices. There are two tools that everyone should be using. What are they?

They are GasMoneyToolbar.com and GasBuddy.com. Using these two online tools are essential to enhancing your ability to cope with gas prices irrespective of how high they go. Both of these gas tools are absolutely FREE and they provide an invaluable service in today's energy climate. The free downloadable gas money toolbar provides drivers with the opportunity for gas money to offset the rising cost of fueling up as they surf the web.

At GasMoneyToolbar, consumers use the power of their observation skills to gain gas money by reporting to website owners instances of specified types of errors on their webs properties. Companies can offer small monetary rewards to consumers for finding common errors such as misspelled words, grammatical errors, incorrect punctuation, etc. The downloadable gas money toolbar interfaces with TypoBounty.com and it is free to use as well.

Consumers essentially trade what retailers want "their attention" for what the consumer wants "a shot at gas money". Retailers and corporations essentially trade the consumer the opportunity to gain gas money for their undivided attention, time, and appreciation. This is a great advertising, marketing and public relations coup for business.

Complaining won't help. "Consumers aren't aware of the power of their attention and corporations haven't taken full advantage of the public relations of publicly helping consumers with the current gas cost problem. Says, John Michaels of TypoBounty, sister site of GasMoneyToolbar. This is changing rapidly.

When consumers combine the benefits of gaining gas money via sites like GasMoneyToolbar with the low gas price search of websites like GasBuddy and conduct various necessary tasks online, the effects of high gas prices on the household budget can be curtailed significantly.

What do companies get out of the deal? Well, quite frankly a low cost means of getting visitors to their website and much more. If the retailer is smart enough to recognize it, participating retailers and website owners gain the perfection of their web properties and the attention of millions of appreciative consumers. It's a great public relations move for businesses and websites that are consumer supported. Consumers are able to find some gas price relief they need.

Companies have benefited in the publics eye in the past by donating to charities and other humanitarian concerns. This is no different. Coping with high gas prices is a genuine public need and companies are in a unique position to benefit from helping consumers take on this very real assault on the household budget.

So, remember this. You have no power over the gas prices but you have complete power over the companies that you give your attention to. Use that understanding and the two tools listed above to your advantage and tell all of your friends and family to do the same.

With the soaring cost of gasoline nowadays, more and more people are opting for diesel-powered cars. If you're one of those drivers who appreciate a diesel engine over a standard gasoline engine, then perhaps a diesel hybrid car may just be your ticket. Diesel is becoming one of the more popular options for hybrid cars because of its lower cost and greater efficiency, thus making it extremely durable and usable for all types of transportation. A diesel hybrid car can change the way you do everything in your car, from how fast you drive, and to how much mileage you can get out your tank. Charge up that battery in your car and let fly in your brand-new and oh so cool, futuristic transportation mode.

The battery of a diesel hybrid car is designed to cover speeds blows certain point. Anything above that point the fuel part of the engine kicks in. it's a good idea for you to looking to the factory specifications before you determine the drivability of the car. Depending on your driving habits, the overall efficiency of the hybrid may become a problematic piece of the puzzle, thus making the question of whether to buy a hybrid or not a tough one to answer. Just make sure that you have all the correct information before making that purchase. Make sure it makes economical sense before you spend your money on that hybrid.

Finding Your Style

Everybody has their own tastes what it comes to cars. Finding a car to suit your own personal style is not that difficult. The first thing for most people is the color. Ordering your car direct from the factory is a sure fire way of getting exactly what you want in terms of exterior color as well as interior color. You can also order exactly what you want in terms of options. Some people want the full package, with everything powered. And then some people just want the basics. Some people are happy with what the dealership has on the car lot.

Starting with the basics of color, you can work your way up from there and really customize that diesel hybrid car of yours. Especially with men, getting bigger tires and fancier rims would be a big turn on. Yanking out the factory stereo and putting in a high-powered stereo system would be another option. Things like these can truly customize your new car and as a result, make your driving experience that much more pleasurable.

For many people the anticipation of taking their driving test can be just as bad as the test itself. Worrying about events before they actually happen is called anticipatory anxiety and playing mental video clips about what might go wrong over and over in your head can lead to unhealthy levels of stress which can impair your performance.

Of course, even the most experienced motorist, can experience anxiety whilst driving in certain circumstances and usually these feelings all boil down to a lack of confidence or a fear of losing control. Before you know it you are beginning to feel nervous and the more nervous you are, the more likely you are to actually make mistakes which is the last thing you want to happen whilst you are driving! So what can you do to improve the situation and give yourself confidence?

Apart from regular practice of all that you have been taught, I'd like to recommend two easy and effective ways to prepare yourself before taking your driving test .

First, let me tell you a little about the benefits of mental rehearsal techniques, well know within the sporting world, as a tool to help sportsmen improve their performance. This is a simple technique that can be applied to any area of your life where you would like to experience some improvements. Whenever you imagine an event in great detail, and you associate these images with a strong and clear emotion, in this case confidence and success, then over time, the subconscious mind comes to accept this situation as real. There are many books available on guided imagery and visualization techniques that will help you learn more about this and once you have leant a few simple rules, you will find this a fun and practical technique that over time will bring you real results.

Next, I'd like to recommend EFT, or emotional freedom technique to use it's full name. This is perhaps my favorite technique of all and it is rapidly becoming known as one of easiest, most effective and inexpensive ways of managing fears, phobias or limiting self-beliefs in the therapy world today. If you find yourself in any fearful or anxious state regardless of the cause then help is literally at hand by using your fingertips to tap gently on some of the meridian points of the upper body, to stimulate the body's energy flow and in turn release the fear.

It's a technique that can be easily self applied but as I say to my clients, please don't leave it to the last minute, or wait until you are in a crisis. If you can, take some time to learn this simple technique before facing a challenging event, or better still book yourself a couple of appointments with an experienced practitioner who can teach you the best way to apply the technique and who can help you release any particularly strong emotions that you may have a tendency to block out or avoid if you are working alone.

Both these techniques are fast, inexpensive and highly effective, and with just a little practice you will probably surprise yourself at the quality of the results! So don't suffer in silence, help is literally at your finger tips.

A new study shows that Traffic Jams move backwards in clumps at about 20 miles per hour, the wave of backed up cars moves in reverse of the direction of travel. And it does not matter if there is an obstacle or an accident and everyone is slowing down to look or rubber-necking. This is contrary to popular belief, although it goes against conventional wisdom. There have been various studiers of traffic for instance a few scientists at Battelle Corporation who had suspected this by watching their data of real time traffic flows, but now it has been proven.

Traffic jams are a natural occurrence and a wave within the flow of traffic that is omnipresent. It happens even when vehicles are equal distance apart and traveling at the same direction. Soon, we may learn that even robotic vehicles are subject to this phenomena. Traffic jams in the transportation sector and on our highways and byways cannot be escaped. So if you drive a car, eventually you will be in a traffic jam, no matter where you are.

Traffic jams are real and they are really here to stay, so you may as well grab your blue tooth cell phone head set, your iPod or your favorite CD and stop complaining. Use the time wisely, because you will spend considerable hours in rush hour traffic or even when things are running along fine, they will slow to a crawl for no reason at all. This is something you will just have to deal with, along with those $4.00 per gallon gasoline prices.

For more information check out this experiment in Japan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suugn-p5C1M