Car Rentals: Why just rent a car when you can drive one of the most sought after automobiles in the world? Being away from home doesn’t mean your image is on hiatus too. We found a few luxury car rental sources around the nation that merit a look-see. Renting is an ideal way to either maintain a personal standard of excellence or to try out a new vehicular experience for an “extended” test drive.

With more and more facets of the luxury lifestyle being rented, chartered, or owned fractionally, we were driven to review some Web sites. The critique we offer is on the companies’ Web sites only. There are no lemons on our list.

As more and more luxury consumers use the Internet to do research before making buying decisions, we offer our comments in an attempt to make the worldwide Web a better place for all users.

Midway Car Rental has luxury sedans, exotic sports cars, limos, and SUVs from which to choose. Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Lexus, Hummer, BMW, and Range Rovers are represented plentifully. There are several locations throughout Southern California. The organization has been in the business since 1970. With more than 1,500 vehicles, it is the largest privately owned vehicle rental company in Los Angeles. Midway Car Rental is a true pioneer of the luxury-auto rental industry.

The Web site of Midway Car Rental provides a lot of information about the company and its services. The outfit has just about everything a customer needs online laid out in easy-to-follow categories. Our only criticism is that the company’s Web site leaves one-third of the viewing area blank. Midway has a three-column-page setup and only uses two-thirds of it. The right side of all pages on the site is a just a blue column- which leaves us a tad blue. Use that space wisely, guys!

Players Car Rental has nine locations with hookups in Florida, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York. The crme de la crme in sports cars, sedans, convertibles, and SUVs is available at all locations. The company, which began in 2000, continues to flourish by providing a fanciful fleet of luxury automobiles and exemplary service to upscale consumers around the world.

The Web site features three musical tracks and an easy-to-find mute button. Without commenting positively or negatively about the presence of music, it is good to have choices. Navigation is smooth and contact info is complete. The real timesaving feature of this Web site is a hidden gem that some may overlook. By clicking on the various car models, such as Aston Martin, Porsche, or Rolls Royce, in the left column of any section of the site, a visitor is taking to page that provides complete details on the vehicle in one place. The car’s rate, specifications, and comparable vehicles available are displayed.

Specialty Rentals has all the requisite hot-button luxury automobiles available and even more. The Northern California-based company has a wide range of vehicles. Aside from luxury staples, the company has niche selections, such as the Smart Car and the Mini Cooper, that may be viewed as more utilitarian than luxurious. Specialty offers VIP service and gift cards at its nine California locations. Nationwide rental services are provided. Most luxury models can be returned to different cities.

The fledgling firm is “a division of a licensee of one of the world’s leading car rental companies.” It is found in the FAQ section of the Web site. Why the mysterious world leader opts not to be identified is likely just a marketing issue. It is probably something like Ugly Duckling Exotic Luxury Rentals just doesn’t hit the ear optimally. Everything is easily accessible. Navigation is smooth; the sections are clearly defined.

Excellence Luxury Car Rental has locations in Miami, Paris, and Cannes. All three locations feature exotic sports cars, coupes, sedans, and SUVS. The fleet of dreamy cars includes the Bentley Azure convertible, the Ferrari F355 Spider, the Rolls Royce Seraph, and the Lamborghini Diablo. The company also sells cars.

Here is an example of a good company with upscale services and a so-so Web presence. When the homepage of a Web site greets incoming visitors with a message on what is necessary- from their personal computer- to just view the Web site, it is a bad plan that is going to prompt a fair share of prospective patrons to look elsewhere. It is difficult enough to get people to check out a well-designed Web site. Luxury consumers want to ease of use, info and pictures. Two out of three ain’t bad – but there is room for improvement.

When several companies that provide the same type of service are presented, it is somewhat difficult describing what is offered without sounding repetitive. So, rest assured that Chicago Exotic Car Rentals has a fleet of exotic, super-luxury vehicles that is on par with the luxury car-rental sources. However, the Drive 5 in One Day is a deal sweet enough to book flight to the Second City today. Privileged customers can spend 30 minutes driving each car- from station to station- through Chicago. The tour lasts three to four hours. The price of this extravaganza is 895. A non-driving guest may tag along for free.

Chicago Exotic Car Rentals’ Web site features detailed write-ups on its vehicles. Navigating through the pages of the Web site is smooth. Additionally, the company information and the FAQs do a good job covering the all the bases.

The radical R35 Nissan skyline is completely different to previous models you get the felling that it was Nissans intention to tackle the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Let start with the new shape a very modern design with smooth curves and lines which make it look very European American.

The front of the car features a huge grill (which is a bit big for my liking) and sexy vertical style headlights. Moving to the side view the car looks very bulky with huge doors and smooth enlarged guards which look a lot less deliberate than that of a GTR. From the rear to the car looks great with twin exhaust tips and LED brake lights, but much to my disappointment the stove top tail-lights are gone.

The interior of the car looks great and again has a European feel about it. This Skyline has much more leg room than previous models but due to the sloping room there is little heat room in the back for tall passengers. Airbags are standard of course, along with a 6 stack cd player, and climate control. All controls are at arms reach and are very easy to use.

This Nissan skyline shares the same layout and engine as the 350Z but has a more luxurious style about it. The wheel base is slightly longer and the ride is more comfortable because of this the 350z is probably a slightly better performer. A 3.5L V6 replaces the aging RB engine and let me tell you it’s a beauty, with 206kw @ 6000rpm and Nm at 4′800rpm. This engine performs and sounds fantastic the RB engine was good but you just can’t beat the throttle response of an NA.

The new platform ignores the notion that 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution is the key to balanced handling. Nissan has employed a distribution of 53:47 this takes into account the pre-load which occurs when steering into a corner and counterbalances as weight shifts to the rear under acceleration, the result is a more stable feeling car. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) replaces the old HICAS system, using a number of sensors it reduces both under and over-steer by applying brake pressure or cutting power from individual wheels. This technology makes the car very easy drive at the limit.

Over all the R35 Skyline is a fantastic much improved car it has lost some of its hardcore sport-ness but this has been replaced with a more luxurious livable car. I put this car in a different class to that of previous models and place it up their with more luxury sports cars like BMW and Audi. I believe the R35 Nissan Skyline appeals to a larger audience which is good news for Nissan. For pictures, videos and more information about this skyline and more I recommend you visit http:nissanskyline.6te.net.

Glenn Munn
Skyline enthusiast

The local car auction happening in your town might be a perfect place for you to find great bargains on cars. At times the number of cars available to choose from might be less, but the ones that are there will be of good quality and come with perfect engine and parts. In fact, if you are looking for a specific car, there might be no competition to fight you for it, nobody who is bidding higher prices just so you don’t get the car. Another advantage is that since the numbers of people vying for the car are few in number, you stand to win it at much lower prices.

If you are unaware of where these local car auctions take place, you can check your local newspaper or the coffee shop bulletin board. There is bound to information about where the auction is taking place and the time for the same. This will give you enough time to prepare yourself to save money and bid on the car once you spot the same. There are various automobile related papers and magazines which might publish the list of all the vehicles that are going to be auctioned so you can save time in deciding if you should go for the local car auction. If not, you can always try your luck at another local car auction or wait for a while and then give it a shot. You might also find good cars on various online car auction sites. But you need to be careful while bidding on the net as there might be fake bidders or the car might not what it seems on the computer.

If you have a friend or someone you trust, take them along to the local car auctions, so they can help you make the right decision and not end up spending on a car that is not suitable for you. If you and your wife have just brought home your second child, you will obviously need to move to a bigger car, maybe an SUV or family car. For this purpose, you need to stay focused and look for cars that will fit your family and have storage space as well, in case of long drives. If you prefer sleek looking stylish cars, then make sure you know enough about the car before making a bid.

It is safer for you to bring a mechanic along with you, so he can check the car before you put up the bid. You can also check the car’s documents and history to understand its current condition. Imagine buying a car that was stolen or with fake title deeds, these would mean you could get into trouble in future. Another important aspect to keep in mind is the current value of the car that you have set your eyes on. This is to helpful in giving you an idea about your bid limits and to keep you in control making sure you don’t overdo it.

The Lincoln Continental is a vehicle that is crafted and manufactured by the Lincoln brand of the Ford Motor Company in the United States. This is a line of luxury cars, and for most of its lifetime, the name, Lincoln Continental, has often been used in reference to the Lincoln flagship that displayed four doors. This vehicle was initially developed as Edsel Fords personal vehicle. This vehicle has often been rated as one of the most beautiful vehicles ever crafted the world over.

This vehicle has been substantially updated in the middle of the 1990s decade. It received more rounded lines thus exuding a more aerodynamic exterior. For 1995, it reigned and received a reputation as a unique Lincoln vehicle and was recognized as a luxury car. Its V6 engine was replaced through the addition and use of the same DOHC Modular V8 that was installed at the rear of this vehicle. Constant updates were made and in 1998, it displayed a new exterior. After a year, side airbags were put in place and the vehicle gained more power. The last of the Lincoln Continental kind was manufactured in 2002 and was replaced by the Lincoln Zephyr.

For the last set of changes, the Lincoln Continental delivers comfort with its fullness that is packed with technology, and computer electronics that are applied to it. This has allowed drivers to tailor suspension dampening and steering effort so as to suit their own personal taste and style in driving. It costs lesser than the Cadillac and the Lexus luxury sedans and could consider the Buick Park Avenue as its competitor. For the last year that it was crafted, it came with the standard features like leather upholstery, self-leveling rear suspension, anti-lock brakes, traction control, side impact air bags, dual front air bags, and a memory system for the drivers seat and mirrors. It held a 4.6 liter V8 engine that powers the front wheels with a four-speed automatic transmission. What was given as an option is a Vehicle Communication package that includes a hands-free voice-activated, digitalanalog Motorola Timeport phone, however this requires a Sprint PCS plan. It has voice-activated news, weather, sports, and stock quotes. With the Safety and Security Services, or SOS, button, it can summon emergency roadside assistance and it also activates automatically if the air bags are deployed.

The Lincoln Continental sports the Lincoln waterfall grille that blends neatly with the headlamp clusters. It also has a brightly trimmed front end with massive tail lamps that seem to wrap around the muscular rear quarters. The front fenders, hood, and deck lid has been specifically made with a sheet-molding compound that is very resistant to dents and damages. Overall, it exudes a round, organic, yet solid and impressive impression.

Lincoln Continental owners and Lincoln owners need not worry about their Lincoln Continental parts and auto parts like engine parts, hoods, mirrors, and wheels, for these have been made available on the internet with Lincoln Parts and Car Parts online store.

Can you imagine driving down the road at night with barely a flashlight bulb to guide your way? The first cars were outfitted with headlights that were just about that dim. Fortunately, lighting technology has improved to the point to where your cars lights can cut through the darkness allowing you to see and to be seen from great distances. Headlights are a terrific and important part of your car, without them driving one be reserved to daytime travel under optimum conditions. So, why do people sometimes neglect them?

I used to own a Ford Escort. A basic car for a person like me who, at the time, was on a budget. The car served me well and was still running great when I sold it just after it had clocked 90,000 miles. Hey, it was time for me to step up in the world and the Ford Taurus was a Lincoln Town Car in comparison. Okay, back to the Escort the only problem I ever had with the car was with its headlight assemblies. You see, they leaked…and then some.

I first knew something was wrong when I took a trip on an interstate and had my headlights turned on. Oddly, I noticed that the lights seemed to be fading in and out. This happened for several miles before — POOF! the right bulb blew. Fortunately, I was near home by that time and I simply pulled into my driveway and took a look. To my shock and dismay both headlight assemblies were clouded over with moisture and a small amount of water was sitting inside at the bottom of each assembly. So, what I was seeing on the road was the water sloshing up and down before one wave took out the right bulb.

My next step was to drain the two assemblies and caulk them both to keep out the water. 15 bucks for one halogen bulb and a few more pounds for the caulk and the job was done. So I thought.

To make a long story short, eventually both headlight assemblies had to be replaced because the corrosion in each unit made them virtually inoperable. Yes, I took it to the garage and they cheerfully did the work for me. Some five hundred bucks later, I had all-new assemblies in place and enjoyed them for about six months before I traded the car in.

Is there a lesson to be learned with this story? Yes, keep an eye on your headlights and make them an important part of your vehicles regular check up. My car had gone through a pair of snowy winters and my mechanic and I determined that road salt ate away at the headlight sealant and exposed my highlights to further moisture. I since learned that this was a fairly common problem for many cars and that I wasnt alone. Small consolation!

The Toyota Motor Corporation is responsible for the Lexus brand. After all, Lexus is a Japanese brand name that is used by this automobile manufacturer when exporting their products to some places like in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania. Also, this brand is the manufacturers line for its family of luxury automobiles and vehicles.

One of the Lexus vehicles is the Lexus LS 2006. This vehicle has always held a striking presence. It bears a sculpted form as well as refined features that make heads turn. It also has an aggressively styled front end features. To emphasize its bold look, the streamlined headlamps and front grille gives the vehicle that such appeal. It is sporty and it has a wide stance.

This vehicle has been crafted with a many choices made available both for the exterior and the interior. For the exterior, the choices include Blue Onyx Pearl, Black Cherry Pearl, Cypress Pearl, Briarwood Pearl, Mystic Gold Metallic, Moonlight Pearl, Crystal White, Mercury Metallic, Flint Mica, and Black Onyx. As per the interior colors, customers could actually choose from Cashmere Leather Trim with Golden Birds Eye Maple Accent, Ash Leather Trim with Walnut Accent, Black Leather Trim with Walnut Accent, Ecru Perforated Leather Trim with Golden Birds Eye Maple Accent, Saddle Perforated Leather Trim with Antique Walnut Accent, or Black Perforated Leather Trim with Antique Walnut Accent.

The Lexus LS 2006 boasts of several features. The Smart Access is actually an option for the vehicle. However, this system actually enables owners to lock and unlock their doors, open the trunk, and also turn on the ignition switch without having to take out the keys to the vehicle out of their pockets or purses. This system actually works just by it sensing the Smart Access key. Also, the Lexus LS 2006s alloy wheels allot a huge effort of adding to the appeal and beauty of this vehicle. Backed up with the right kind of tires, this vehicle has been rolling its way to success.

Other features of this vehicle include adaptive front lightining, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with a blue hue, an intuitive parking assist, a laser cruise control system, a power moonroof, auto dimming mirrors, rain sensing wipers, the Mark Levinson audio system, the voice activated navigation system, a backup camera, the Bluetooth technology, a dual climate control system, a rear seat climate control system, rear seat luxuries, a power rear sunshade, the satellite radio, and the HomeLink remote control system.

The new Lexus LS 2006s total package of features, space, and style puts it at the head of its class. Its performance could also be maintained and taken cared of, that is if the owner uses superior Lexus parts from Auto Parts Discount. Its extensive array of maximum quality Lexus parts and accessories await customers at great wholesale deals. In case you have any difficulties in choosing the right kind of Lexus parts for your vehicle, Auto Parts Discount has friendly customer service staffs that are ready to serve you.

Without brakes, a vehicle would surely be hurtling itself and its passengers to danger. And yes, crashes, collisions, and accidents would constantly be happening. What a brake does is it slows down or completely stops the movement or motion of a vehicle. It also keeps the vehicle from going any further if there are other forces that make it move. This is accomplished because the brake pads on the brakes provide friction which makes the vehicle actually slow down or stop.

That is the very reason as per why vehicles, like Land Rover vehicles, need to replace and change their brakes every now and then. Friction causes the life of these brakes to shorten. Each time it is used wears it down a little bit and it also gets used up which is the reason why brakes are oftentimes replaced many times over throughout the lifetime of a vehicle.

So when do you need to replace the brakes, or brake pads of your vehicle? Try to look at your brakes. You would notice that there are actually built in wear indicators which have been specially crafted so as to assist you in knowing when you need to change your brakes. These indicators actually have been crafted so as to be able to make noise to alert and let you know that they need replacing. Did you ever notice any squealing noises? That is the brake indicator.

But do not just completely rely your brakes. After all, these brakes and the brake pads are just a part of the whole brake system of your vehicle. You and your vehicle still need the assistance of brake fluid. If your brake system does not have enough brake fluid, using the brakes may not even work at all. So always remember to check if your vehicle has the right amount of brake fluid in its reservoir to ensure that the next time you brake, your car would slow down or stop.

What does the brake fluid do? Well, it is what actually acts and gives the signal to the calipers in the brake system to push the brakes so much so that your vehicles motion would stop. Checking the amount and level of the brake fluid is something that you can actually do yourself. By just gently moving the reservoir of your brake fluid, you can see if the amount of the brake fluid is just somewhere in between the minimum and the maximum marks.

Leading Window Graphics Company & Renowned Artist Headline Automobile News

When you think of automobile news, you may not expect to read about a renowned artist. However, a recent automobile news release contained just that. An artist, his talent and an innovative company looking to change the way you look at windshields is the current focus of much media attention and automobile news.

In an automotive news announcement made, Window Canvas, the leader in Exterior Applied See-Thru Window Graphics for cars, trucks and SUVs, confirmed an agreement with well-known artist Jeff Wilkie. The exclusive contract was signed with Persistence of Vision, which gave Window Canvas the license to represent the art of Jeff Wilkie on their vehicle graphics.

If you have ever noticed a rear windshield with an impressive, and colorful, image covering the entire back glass, then you are already familiar with the concept of transparent window graphics. They prevent viewing the interior from the rear, but allow the passengers and driver to see out. Window graphics are often quite detailed and beautiful, which is the concept behind Windows Canvas and their new artwork license with Jeff Wilkie.

“Jeff’s breathtaking artwork is the perfect addition to Window Canvas and our image library,” commented Bianca J. Hennings, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Window Canvas. According to the recent automobile news release, Hennings concluded, “We are very excited about his imagery being displayed on people’s cars all over the country and even the world.”

Jeff Wilkie is an accomplished artist whose collections include both ocean and marine life images. Among the many depictions, Wilkie portrays an artistic image of dolphins, seascapes, whales and other wildlife. “I am very happy to have my artwork added to their line of products,” Jeff admits. His work has been licensed for a variety of products, including greeting cards, puzzles, t-shirts and computer mouse pads. To add even more credence to Wilkie’s art, his images have been offered as part of the fine art prize category on “The Price Is Right” televised game show. The products featuring Wilkie’s art are constantly ranked number one in sales. Beginning in the spring of 2006, his art will also be featured on checks, checkbook covers, address labels and wall murals throughout the United States.

Window Canvas is the recognized leader in exterior applied see-thru window graphics for automobiles. Their website features more than 2,000 images, including patriotic, flags, sports, personal expressions, nature, military and camouflage scenes. In addition to their many options, Window Canvas also offers website visitors with an opportunity to customize their own rear window graphics using a patent pending technology feature called “Create Your Own.”

An artist who loves to create images and a company who loves to incorporate them into windows have come together to generate widespread automobile news attention. Websites and various industry publications are sure to be among the first to report automobile news and especially when it’s as beautiful as Wilkie’s artwork.

The Japanese automobile market should all be on the alert for the new Jaguar vehicle that would soon be careening down their path. You see, the Jaguar Japan has recently announced that the country would be meeting the newly restyled Jaguar XK which is a luxury sports car. The given date of this launch is on the 1st of July.

According to the announcement by the Japan branch of Jaguar, this luxury sports car would be mainly targeting the male Japanese customers. They would also be moving towards the market who are in their 30s and who receives around 30 million yen as their annual income.

Indeed, interested consumers would really do need to shell out quite a sum of money since this new Jaguar XK promises loads of features and a ton of power. This vehicle holds a 4.2 liter engine. It also has been crafted and designed with a lightweight aluminum body. Another interesting feature is a new system that assists in absorbing shocks to the human body during collisions.

There will be two types for the new Jaguar XK in Japan. There will be a coupe with two doors that would be having a price tag of at least 11.3 million yen. As per the other type which is a convertible with two doors, interested parties should at least be have some 12.3 million yen to spare to own this one.

The Jaguar XK has actually been called and known in a couple of names and the list includes XK8, XKR, as well as simply XK. It has been in production since 1997 and up until present production continues. It replaced the Jaguar XJS in the Jaguar brands line up of vehicles. It is a GT car.

One of several questions car enthusiasts ask about jet chips and other performance chips is whether they are legal in all states, provinces, etc. Well, I cant answer that question for the rest of the world, but in the U.S. jet chips are legal even in California, home of some of the strictest automotive emission regulations in the world. As the saying goes, As goes California, so goes the rest of the country, or some variation on that theme! There is much more to jet chips than the name implies. Lets take a look at this remarkable aftermarket product and its impact on North American drivers.

First of all, like the name Jeep which represents a specific brand as well as a type of vehicle, Jet Chips is a brand as well as a type of chip. Confused yet? Dont be. Because the name is so easy to remember and the company producing these chips is so well known, consumers have given all performance chips the nickname jet chips. Kind of like reaching for that box of Kleenex tissues even though the label obviously says Marcal.

Secondly, jet chips will not cancel out your cars warranty. Yes, if any aftermarket part damages the car or emissions equipment, then you DO have a problem. The chance of that happening with a jet chip is remote.

Thirdly, jet chips are emissions legal. As mentioned previously, California which has the toughest emissions control laws, accepts jet chips because they have no effect on the emissions released from your car. Quite frankly, just because your car will get better fuel mileage, more horsepower, and better torque doesnt mean that it will emit more pollution. A jet chip makes your engine work more efficiently and an efficiently tuned engine doesnt over pollute.

When shopping for a jet chip, you can buy the Jet Chip brand or one of several other brands of performance chips. Some manufacturers sell all new chips while others will take your current chip, recalibrate it, and send it back to you. Prices are all over the place, so shop around before selecting a jet chip that is right for your car.

One final note: If you elect to go with a jet chip versus a performance tuner, you will have to either remove the dashboard or go underneath the hood to swap out the chip. Not so with a performance tuner as all you have to do is plug the tuner into your cars under dash diagnostic connector, answer some simple yesno questions, and before you know it youre engine is super tuned. Of course, it all depends on what makemodel of car you drive as not all jet chips and not all super tuners are made for every car out there.