Audi Used Cars - A Review on Audi A6 Used Cars


Audi used cars are some of the most desirable used vehicles consumers want to buy. So when researching the Audi A6 as a used vehicle, is was no surprise that I came to the conclusion that there is one thing that Germans do better than most other countries in the world and no it's not making beer, it's designing and building great vehicles. It's no surprise that almost every year you will see Audi, BMW or the Mercedes-Benz Motor Corporation come away with some award for style and design in exterior or interior looks.




Lincoln Used Cars - A Review on the LS


When looking at Lincoln used cars, it's hard not to look at the LS; it's very stylish and roomy. This Lincoln is very popular with the North American consumer because of how well the vehicle is designed. It's a lot cheaper than some of its competitors such as the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series and the Audi's A6 model. The Lincoln LS from all accounts handles just as well on the road as its competitors do. Will take a look at the LS from 2000 to 2005 as a used vehicle to buy.



Used Cars Reviews - Top 7 Best Rated Used Cars


Most people favor buying used cars for different reasons,Some used car may be as good as brand new car. You can buy to get better bargain if you read onto search which one is the best used car you need.


If they are new drivers, most people prefer to purchase used cars because of the raid of the ever-increasing traffic and subsequently rising frequency of car accidents. As they are cost-effective and render the flexibility of selection, purchasing a used car as your first car is a smart determination. If you always examine the used car rating and reviews, you will make the right selection. Some cars memorize their reputation even after being owned once; these are the ones that possess the top 7 used cars list.





A Review of Used Car Search Engines


Are you in search of a used car and find it hard to locate a decent one with an ideal price? You are not alone. There are many people out there on the lookout of used car. A used car is intended to cut down the costs of buying a brand new one. We however sometimes see ourselves spell bound to the cheesy sales pitch of a salesman trying to sell us all the reasons why a used car cost that much. Well it is time you say goodbye to those people, whose only intention is to make a sale.





Used Car Review - Nissan 350z (2003-2008)

Speeding to the love of cars is what Myk Belmonte aims for this review.

2003-2008 Nissan 350z

History
Japanese car nuts and every automobile enthusiast around the world know this: the Nissan Z-car line is one of the most acclaimed and recognized around the world. Just like the Skyline, it gained cult status for its performance and design while retaining Japanese levels of prices and reliability. While others fade, the Z stays strong.

Lets us quote Carlos Ghosn: that "they will build the Z and will make it profitable". The 300ZX (or the fourth generation model) was killed at the turn of the millennium due to the ever increasing prices. As they said, build it and they will come. First released in late 2002 as a coupe, with a convertible debuting in 2004. Did Nissan made a winner here? Absolutely, especially it shed away from their bland but capable image. The Z dynasty continued on with the 370z that was launched in 2009.

With the removal of the ridiculous tax rates which caused high engine displacements to be taxed higher, Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. introduced the 350z to the Philippines in late 2003. Their last sports car offering is the 200SX (or Silvia to JDM fans) which didn't last due to its limited quantities. While the package was right, the price is a killer. Since no one didn't want it, it was dropped at the end of 2008 with the 370z available at your suking grey dealer.

Value and Costs
Nissans are known for their low residuals. In the case of the Z, it is the opposite with prices still lingering in the million peso price range. Since local releases may be few, looking at US models may be the prudent option while those from Japan are best avoided due to their questionable conversion process.

Since this is a Japanese car, maintenance costs are lower when compared to the Audi TT and even the Mazda RX-8 due to its rotary engine. There are limited problems concerning with its noisy rear suspension but this case is rare.

Exterior and Interior
This vehicle is based from the 240Z concept car showcased in 1999. The trademark long-hood short-deck design cues of the Z family retains while a sloping roof line, brushed aluminum handles, and bulging fenders pushed to the sides are added. Coupe or topless, this is one good looking vehicle.

Interior space is something of a weakness for these types of vehicles; two can join the fun with a limited space for cargoes. Otherwise, inside is an aluminum accent party with lots of them that brighten up the interior. Another quirky feature is the gauges that are mounted directly to the steering column which moves together with the tiller's adjustment. There is a six-disc changer standard and there are multiple storage compartments hidden behind or between the front seats which makes losing items easy since there is no glove box standard.

Engine
From the VQ engine family is the VQ35DE 3,498cc carrying 280hp at 6,200rpm and 363Nm at 4,800rpm. This is one mean machine which is fast and delivers the grunt in the low to mid range, making it a practical daily driver. This can be paired with either a six speed stick (which we recommend) or a five speed auto.

Driving Impressions
Bringing in the unadulterated joys in driving comes standard. Grip is present, tons of it but it does not feel that much nimble on the bends. Steering fun weighs in as you push the pedal to the metal that gives you feedback. Ride is tolerable, which makes it an appealing choice.

Verdict
Ghosn made a right decision to revive the Z series and the risk was worth it. Good looks, exhilarating performance, attainable price, driving characteristics similar to an athlete, and the vaunted Japanese reliability is what makes the 350z appealing. If you want one, go get especially it can stand on its own against modern rivals.



The Good:
  • Classic looks
  • Brute performance
  • Stands out in the crowd
The Bad:
  • Limited units in the market
  • Not at all practical
  • Gets buried in a sea of popular nameplates
The Pick: You do not have any choice, just avoid the worrisome Japanese imports.

THE SPECS
Engine: 3,498cc VQ35DE V6 gasoline
Power: 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque: 363Nm @ 4,800rpm
Fuel Consumption: 5-7km/L (city), 7-9km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Suspension: Front and rear multilink

MORE INFO
Price (New): P3,300,000
Price (Now): P1,300,000-P2,000,000
Rivals: Audi TT, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mazda RX-8
On Sale: 2003-2008
Resources:

Contacts:
Nissan Mantrade - (02) 812-6879
Nissan Gallery Ortigas - (02) 635-5888
Nissan UN Avenue Manila - (02) 400-1020

Photo from http://sulit.com.ph/36223797

Used Car Review - Toyota Echo Verso (2000-2004)

This unloved hatchback gets under the scrutiny of Myk Belmonte for today.

2000-2004 Toyota Echo Verso

History
The Japanese have a love affair with hatchbacks, similar to their Wasabi filled dishes and novelty shows. We can't blame them since Kei Cars are priced lower so even the motorcycle riding public can afford them and they have narrow streets so width is important. However, being small does not guarantee them instant success since some hatchbacks do not sell well.

Together with the Echo (or Yaris for some folks), this mini MPV was released in 2000. While the shell is larger both inside and out, the platform and engines are shared together with its smaller brethren. It was replaced by the Ractis in Japan, Verso-S in Europe, and Space Verson in Israel.

July 2000 saw the introduction of the Echo Verso together with the second generation RAV4 and Echo. While this represented a breath of fresh air, the Made-in-Japan status limited its appeal that made it costlier than a Corolla Altis 1.8 back then. Too bad, together with the Echo it was dropped in the line-up in 2004 and that was the time the hatchback market was on full force.

Value and Costs
Nearly 14 years after its launch, you can now call this vehicle "affordable" especially one can get it for below P300,000. This is one practical vehicle, since this can accommodate several long and tall items on a small package. Vehicles with the Fun Cargo badge are no-nos, since they were imports from Japan with questionable conversion process and some possessing a 1.3 engine paired with an automatic, making the vehicle struggle at high speeds.

If you think parts acquisition is hard due to its low seller status, think again. Components are shared with the Vios especially in the engine parts, which makes it easy. Exterior parts can be swapped with Japanese surplus units, just in case you have been bumped. If you are buying a unit assembled from March to June 2000, check if the brake master were fixed under a recall since rust can form that can lead to braking failure.

Exterior and Interior
Short in length, big in size; that's what the Echo Verso is all about. With its compact size, slotting in smaller roads is an easy task. In fact, you can take four people to the requisite trips to the palengke or to Divisoria with the back space reserved for the pinamili (purchased items) and without complaining about vendor infested roads. This is an ugly duckling but who cares? Before leaving, the rear door opens sideways which makes placing cargo easy.

Apart from the wonders of space mentioned above, the interior is a cubbyhole party with lots of them. Place any small item, expect to never see it again. Driving position is on the decent side, with the gauges being located on the center that one needs time to take used to it. Due to its tall headroom, no more messy hair and no more scratches in the roofline unless you are Imelda Marcos.

Engine
While the diminutive Echo has a small 85hp 1.3 engine, the Verso has a larger 1NZ-FE 1,497cc gasoline that carries 106hp at 6,600rpm and 145Nm at 4,400rpm. Even with its weight rated at 1,000kg, acceleration is effortless thanks to a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Fill it to the brim (five people plus one large baggage or two people and a box of washing machine at the back) it can chug along.

Driving Impressions
Call it small, but the driving position is similar to a van: a high commanding road position is a treat. It drives decently but check on the brakes more frequently since this does not have any ABS brakes.

Verdict
Apart from the Honda Jazz and a Multicab, name me any vehicle that is small in size yet offers a big interior. The Echo Verso is one unappreciated due to its high price but that time, Filipinos aren't ready yet to appreciate hatchbacks. Nowadays, the concept of being trunkless is an acceptable norm.



The Good:
  • Spacious inside
  • Maneuverable
  • Fuel friendly
The Bad:
  • Polarizing looks
  • No automatic transmission
  • No safety kit
The Pick: 1.5 local unit

THE SPECS
Engine: 1,497cc 1NZ-FE I4 gasoline
Power: 106hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 145Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel Consumption: 9-11km/L (city), 10-12km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear torsion beam axle

MORE INFO
Price (New): P750,000
Price (Now): P200,000-P260,000
Rivals: Hyundai Matrix
On Sale: 2000-2004

Contacts:
Toyorama (parts) - (02) 712-0105

Photos from http://sulit.com.ph/35995950
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