The All New 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

The new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid brings an exciting new vehicle to the Honda lineup. It includes the latest version of the Honda Integrated Motor Assist hybrid drive train. In addition, it has the best EPA-estimated fuel economy of any sedan in the United States. Its fuel economy is 44 mpg* city, highway, and combined.

The 2012 model has received a face lift with sleeker styling including the front grill, headlights, taillights, wheels, and side mirrors. The Civic Hybrid is in either cloth or leather seats and can also be equipped with a navigation system.

For the 2012 model, the Honda Civic Hybrid uses a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine which incorporates friction-reducing technologies for greater efficiency. It has a lighter, more powerful electric motor that produces up to 23 horsepower and a combined horsepower of 110. When the driver accelerates, either the engine or the electric engine and the motor propel the car. While cruising, either engine can propel the vehicle. The gasoline engine deactivates when the driver brakes and the electric motor acts as a generator to restore power to the battery pack. When the brake pedal is released, the engine starts up again.

The Civic Hybrid has a high-class interior with many different standard and optional features. The interior has the most frequently referenced information close to the driver’s line of sight. The new Intelligent Multi-Information Display is in the upper tier and has the ability to show audio system information such as album artwork or personal wallpaper backgrounds. It also includes an Eco Guide screen that gives the driver feedback on driving style and how it affects fuel efficiency. The blue/green Eco Assist indicators are located to the side of the speedometer and help increase the driver’s awareness of ways to drive more efficiently. The Civic Hybrid comes standard with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. When equipped with the navigation system, it also includes XM Radio. The navigation system is Honda’s own satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and includes a 6.5-inch touch screen. The system includes a 16 GB flash memory database for a faster response time and has FM traffic. Bluetooth HandsFreeLink is also offered with the Civic Hybrid, allowing drivers to make and receive phone calls. It also supports audio streaming with compatible devices.

The Civic Hybrid is not only convenient and fun to drive, it is also safe. It includes many safety features such as Brake Assist, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution, Motion Adaptive EPS system, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags.

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid has arrived.

* Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel-economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

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Is It Better to Buy a New Car or a Used Car?

If you are in the market for another car, you are probably wondering whether it is better financially to buy a new car or a used car. There are a lot of pros and cons to each and it really comes down to the choice that is best for your situation.

If you are looking to finance the car, the rates are much better for new cars. In addition, you will get the latest style, technology and safety features with a new car. Currently, you will get special factory incentives, rebates, discounts and free extra features on a new vehicle. New car warranties cover a lot more than they did just a few years ago and most new cars come with free roadside assistance during the warranty period. The short term maintenance costs are much lower for new cars as well. If you do end up buying a car that develops significant problems, there are lemon laws in most states that will protect you.

One big negative associated with buying a new car is that the sales tax is usually calculated before the incentives and rebates are tallied. Another big problem with buying a new car is that it depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. Some car buying guides suggest that new cars depreciate between 20% and 40% over the first 2 to 3 years.

One advantage of buying a used car is that you avoid that huge depreciation. If you purchase a late model used car, you will also get the remainder of the factory warranty. Since the purchase price is less on a used car, you will pay less sales tax and your car insurance will be less. These savings will be offset by the higher interest rate you will have to pay for the loan on the used vehicle.

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of buying a used car is that you may be buying someone else’s problem. In most states, used cars are not covered under the lemon laws. You are also subject to getting scammed by an unscrupulous dealer or person trying to sell you a previously salvaged, wrecked or flooded vehicle. You can avoid this by getting a Carfax report on the car and having it inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Of course another issue with buying a used car is that it already has the wear and tear associated with its age and mileage. For this reason, your maintenance costs will be higher on a used car. Also, you will not know how well the car was maintained by its previous owner. Again, you should have the car inspected. The mechanic will be able to give you a lot of information about the condition of the car. Those things will include the condition of the brakes, tires, hoses, belts etc. You should never purchase a used car from a private party without having it inspected first.

There are a lot of things to consider when making the decision between buying a new car or an older one. It really comes down to your financial situation and your comfort level.

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Car Maintenance – What to and Not to Do

“A stitch in time saves nine.” Of course it does, we all know that. But have you ever taken a deeper look into this adage that much use has almost rendered a cliché? If you have never and you have a car, you are in trouble and I am here for you…

Car maintenance basically is ensuring your car works at optimum, and to achieve this you need to know a few tips. When you buy a new car, you can go for quite some time before visiting a mechanic. However, there gets some time when that routine check-up is more than just a requirement; it becomes part of you, like sleeping for example. Firstly, give the tires the once over. We all know, tires are the only contacts between your car and the road and therefore they should never be taken lightly. Don’t just look at them, get your hands dirty. Rub the edges for any lumps or bumps, checking there is at least 1.6mm of tread across the rim of the tire. Spray water up rocker panels to remove any debris that may cause rust while putting in mind that correct tire pressure ensures not only safety but also proper fuel consumption as cars with little tire pressure will consume more. Changing of the tires becomes necessary after 2-3 years, depending on road condition.

Ensure seats belts fasten properly and the seats are securely fitted so that they won’t shift about in an accident – your life depends on it! Mirrors, wipers and washes should all get a quick check too. Obviously one of the biggest car maintenance tips involves changing the engine oil. This should be done every 3000 miles or so (5000 km). Changing the oil ensures all its components work together smoothly. You will need to change the oil filter every second oil change as well.

To ensure your car is at par with its maintenance program, a notebook may be necessary to keep track of all its maintenance operations. This can be safely kept in the glove compartment to use wherever need arises. Wash and dry the car regularly to remove sediments and while doing so avoid the use of soapless detergents as they rip the color off its gloss. Vacuum clean on the inside and an occasional perfume wouldn’t do any harm in impressing her or disclosing your other definition to the people you drive.

It is unfortunate that many drivers continue to ignore some essential repairs that they consider minor, unaware of their significance. Checking all lights and inspection of the fuel cap are some elements under this category. Research has revealed that one in ten wouldn’t pay to repair a minor exhaust system problem and more than one in seven wouldn’t consider fixing their steering wheel as a priority. A physician will tell you all body parts are equally important, so be a physician of your car and treat it well.

Taking care of your car will determine if it will last you a long time or if you are going to be putting a lot of money into in the near future. Well, you don’t have to worry because following these tips, your experience with your car is going to be redefined! Remember that a little goes a long way and now that you know, you are not stopping short soon.

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