Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Dogs agree: The 2010 Honda Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever

The Honda Element has always had many features that made it appeal to dog lovers. The EX model has the FCX fabric which resists spills and fur alike. The floor of the Element is not carpeted so it can easily be cleaned with a rag or sponge. I have to caution anyone not to use a hose to clean out the car. The speakers and other electronics may be damaged (some how this rumor started with the introduction of the vehicle).

Now the Element has gone one-step further to make it even more enjoyable to the canine passenger. Honda is releasing the Dog Friendly™ accessory package in the fall of 2009.

Dogs agree: The Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever. The specially designed collection of accessories will include pet restraint systems, a folding ramp, pet bed, water bowl, electrical fan and more—all designed for the safety and comfort of your beloved canine companion and you. The Dog Friendly™ Element Concept is likely to include:
· Pet restraint systems
· Cushioned pet bed
· Load-in ramp
· Dog-pattern second-row seat covers
· All-season "dog-bone" rubber floor mats
· Spill-resistant water bowl
· Electrical fan
· Tote bag
· Dog Friendly™ exterior emblems
· A leash, collar and dog tag ready for custom engraving

Cash For Clunkers A Big Hit

The “cash for clunkers” bill, officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), became a law on June 25, 2009. This is a government program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel-efficient vehicle. The OFFICIAL website to get information on this program is www.CARS.gov.
In less than a week scammers and predators have opened up websites inducing consumers to provide their name, address, make, model and social security numbers in order to “register for the cash for clunkers bill”. DO NOT REGISTER YOURSELF OR YOUR CAR. It will be the responsibility of the dealership to handle all of the paperwork required.
Before you go to a dealership to purchase a vehicle under the CARS program, call them first and make sure they are able to participate. Only a selected number of dealerships will participate in the program. Every dealership that does participate will have to pass an approval process by the federal government ahead of time.
At this point, there are seven main criteria for your trade-in to qualify for the CARS program:
Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements). The website to find your vehicle mileage is http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The vehicle that you are trading in is required to be destroyed. Therefore, the value you negotiate with the dealer for your trade in is not likely to exceed its scrap value. The law requires the dealer to disclose to you and estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in vehicle.