The birth of the Ford Mustang also saw the birth of the phrase ‘pony car’, which is a term used to describe an American car that is sporty and affordable. Most Pony cars are characterized by their low cost, their small compact size and their overpowered engines.

In the late 1950s, Ford saw sales of its 2-seat Thunderbird decline and in 1958 it introduced a new, larger 4-seat version which, after its introduction in 1958, was incredibly successful.

Competition between Ford and Chevrolet has always been fierce with both large companies trying to attract similar markets. This led to the introduction of the Chevrlet Corvair in 1960, which was the catalyst that forced Ford to create the successor to the Thunderbird, which was called the Futura and Futura Sprint. The competition led the other manufacturer to follow Ford’s lead with Plymouth introducing the Valient Signet and Dodge creating the Dart GT and it wasn’t long before Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Buick joined the competition.

All of these cars were commercially successful, but some top auto executives, including Ford’s Lee Iacocca, believe there was a larger market they could capture. They saw that there was a younger car buying niche market with disposable income looking to buy affordable cars with a sportier image.

This led to the creation of the Ford Mustang in 1964, which turned out to be a great success. Ford initially forecast sales of just 100,000, but orders totaled 22,000 on the first day alone. By the end of that year, sales had reached a staggering 618,812 units.

The Ford Mustang became the car that every other manufacturer wanted to emulate and led to the new phrase “pony car” being adopted. The term was first used by Dennis Shattuck, who was the editor of Car life magazine at the time and created it based on the equestrian-sounding Ford Mustang.

The Ford Mustang is one of Ford’s oldest names along with the F Series and the Falcon, which is still made in Australia. Over the years, there have been 5 generations of Mustangs and the 1970s saw a departure from the original lightweight Mustang urging fans of early 1964 design to force Ford back to its 1960s roots.

First generation

The first generation Mustang was created under the watchful eye of Ford’s Lee Iacocca and Chief Engineer Donald N. Frey and took 18 months. In the original prototype, the car had a mid-mounted V4 engine and only 2 seats, but this was dropped in favor of a 4-seat 2 + 2 design due to low sales figures for the Ford Thunderbird. The 2 + 2 design was believed to have been chosen due to the success of cars such as the Jaguar E-Type.

The new body design was created by Joe Oros, who produced a winning design in a competition presented by Iacocca.

“I told the team that I wanted the car to appeal to women, but I wanted men to want it too. I wanted a Ferrari-like front end, with the motif centered at the front, something heavy like a Maserati, but, for Please, not a pitchfork, and I wanted side air intakes to cool the rear brakes. I said it should be as sporty as possible and it seems to be related to European design. ” – Golds

To keep development costs to a minimum, the car relied on components from cars that were already in production, such as the Ford Fairline and Ford Falcon.

Second generation

The second-generation Mustang was boosted by the 1973 energy crisis, which caused previous big, gas-hungry cars to fall out of favor due to rising fuel costs.

The new smaller Mustang II was launched in 1973 and Ford’s goal was to compete against small Japanese imports like Toyota Celica. However, the final car was much heavier than its previous counterpart, which negatively affected performance.

Third generation

In 1979, the third generation Mustang was introduced relying heavily on the Japanese market for its design. The car was designed to be more comfortable for 4 passengers, the size of the trunk was increased and the engine compartment was enlarged for easier maintenance.

Fourth generation

In 1994, the third-generation Mustang underwent a major redesign based on the original 1964 design, and for the first time since 1973, the hatchback version would no longer be available.

The original engine was a 3.8 OHV V6 rated at 145PS, but over the years it was upgraded to a 4.6L V8 producing 225PS in 1998.

Fifth generation

2005 saw the introduction of a completely redesigned Mustang based on Ford’s new D2C platform. The bodywork borrowed many details from the Mustangs of the earlier ’60s that Ford’s vice president of design called “retro-futurism.”

If you want to add a Ford Mustang car wallpaper to your desktop, you can find one in our wallpapers section on the Just Customz website.

Mitsubishi EV has an advantage over the competition.

Unless you are closely following the EV market, you may not have known that Mitsubishi sells such a model. That model, the i-MiEV, has been on the market longer than the more popular Nissan LEAF, but is only sold in Japan and Europe, while the LEAF is sold in the United States and Europe as well as Japan. Introduced in the summer of 2009, nearly 18 months before the LEAF, the Mitsubishi EV recently eclipsed 10,000 units sold, some 1,500 more than the LEAF and its brother Renault.

Electric Vehicle Sales

Mitsubishi plans to eventually sell its electric vehicle in the US and has forecast global sales of 25,000 units for next year, including derived sales from its French partner, Peugeot-Citroen. In particular, the Mitsubishi EV has dropped in price as the Japanese automaker has developed an entry-level “M” version that is priced at around $ 32,000, comparable to the Nissan LEAF. In addition, the automaker has developed a second extended-range model that allows it to go 110 miles between charges. Mitsubishi hasn’t said whether both models will be available in the United States when it goes on sale in 2012.

The bragging rights of electric vehicles are at stake as Mitsubishi and Nissan try to beat Japanese and global competitors by dominating the market. The Chevrolet Volt is not considered a direct competitor, as this vehicle uses a supplemental gasoline engine once its 35-mile pure electric range has been exhausted. Still, the appeal of the Volt is that it can be driven long distances and quickly refueled with gasoline to extend its range. Once idle, the Volt can be recharged, allowing it to run on electrical power again.

Tax assistance

With a federal tax credit of $ 7,500, a Mitsubishi i-MiEV sold in the United States would cost around $ 24,500 after the credit has been taken. Some states, including California, offer a $ 5,000 rebate, meaning that Golden State owners would pay around $ 19,500 for their vehicles, which is roughly $ 4,000 less than a hybrid Toyota Prius.

One feature not found in electric vehicles but being explored is making it possible for these models to contribute electricity to homes, wherever they are plugged in. This feature is important as it would allow the car to provide much-needed electricity in the event of a power outage. Japan’s devastating 9.1 earthquake in March 2011 proved such a feature would be useful as much of northeastern Japan was without power for days, even weeks after the disaster.

Competing Models

Other manufacturers with an electric vehicle presence include Ford, which sells a Transit Connect truck to fleets, and the upcoming battery-electric Ford Focus. Expect most manufacturers to offer at least one model in the next few years, providing these companies with a vehicle to help meet even more stringent federal fuel economy requirements.

Hot Rodding was a new sport where anyone with a car could show how fast they were. If you loved cars, this was the place for you! The American public was no stranger to Hot Rod Racing. Hot Rod Racing first became popular in California after World War II with newly coined words like “naked” and “rigged.” This was a time for strict emotions, nothing more. These were serious young people and some not so young who spent hours rebuilding engines and listening to safety lectures and watching movies on safe driving. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the 1950s, car enthusiasts and teenage boys formed Hot Rod Clubs such as Chariots, Coasters, Road Rebels, and Pace Makers. What was the difference between Chariots & Coasters? The Chariots were organized in January 1956, with the purpose of providing activities directed at the maintenance and operation of hot rods. The Coasters were organized on October 4, 1954. Holding a charter with the National Hot-Rod Association formed by Keesler Field Men. The club was organized for the military personnel on the base and their dependents.

1955

Before there was a drag track nearby, one could find the Keesler Auto Club (Coasters) racing on drag tracks, like the statewide drag races held at Jackson’s William Airport and in Florida. On July 30, 1955, the Keesler Auto Club entered five cars in the competition and took first, second, and third place in the standard class, first place in the sports car class, and first place in the modified class.

1956

Drag strips were necessary for the growing popularity of the sport. It is also possible that the Keesler Auto Club was tired of traveling such long distances. So what did they do? They liked what they saw in Jackson and did the same. On December 29, 1956, the first drag racing event was held in the Biloxi area at Keesler Air Force Base. Quarter-mile sprints were held on the northeast-southwest track. The event was a success attracting as many runners as Jackson races, and more. On February 23, 1957 a second endurance race was held at Keesler in a 1903 Cadillac, and the 1900 McIntyre entered by George Ohr of Biloxi.

1957

A push for a permanent home for a skid row had been brewing for years. After four years of the combined and united efforts of many Gulf Coast citizens, organized auto and motorcycle clubs, a Drag Strip was built. The Gulf Coast Drag Strip was sanctioned by ministers, public officials, and civic clubs. Earl C. Nolan led the project as skid steer president, and in two months the Gulf Coast skid row was built for $ 30,000.

On August 18, 1957, the first event took place.

On September 8, 1957 the Grand Opening took place, won by JD Gagliano of New Orleans, LA in his flame ’34 Hot Rod Coupe.

Ray Butterfield, manager of radio station WLOX, served as master of ceremonies, and Beat One supervisor Dewey Lawrence cut the ribbon to officially kick off the racing program. Brig. Gen. John R. Sutherland, Keesler Air Force Base commander, Brig. Gen. John R. Fowler, Keesler AFB, Mayor Laz Quave and Commissioner Dominic Fallo of Biloxi, Deputy Sheriff George Rosetti and Earl Nolan, president of the Gulf Coast Drag Strip. Inc., were among those who presented the crowd with a message about the facility.

Earl C. Nolan, President of Gulf Coast Drag Strip, Inc. said: “Hundreds of children in the state of Mississippi are overwhelmed by the desire to create and build their own car. This new Drag Strip was built for these young mechanics and engineers. Their skilled hands and scientific minds have created and produced machines that display exceptional ingenuity in action. They have been desperately looking for an organization or group of people to represent and assist them in their fight for a Drag Strip and for the acceptance of racing. drag racing as the newest of sports. Kids can now drive safely at any speed within their capabilities with a feeling of confidence, on our new quarter mile Standing Start drag track. I want to thank the many residents from the coast and many others throughout the state for their great interest and unlimited assistance to me and my colleagues. “

Little did they know what they were building … or the story they were creating, leading to competing with some of the biggest stars in drag racing and many of the most legendary Hot-Rod machines of all time on the coast of the Gulf of Mississippi. This is the story of the birth of drag racing in Mississippi, and the Biloxi Dragway, a stepping stone to today’s classic cars, and the popularity of the Hot Rod.

For solo vacation destinations, it’s hard to beat Costa Rica. It has something for everyone and at an affordable price. If you choose to go out of season like I do, it’s an even better purchase considering the surcharges that are routinely added to solo travel packages, making it difficult to find affordable luxury travel options for individual travelers. These price drops come quickly after the summer crowds return home, so I took the opportunity to visit in September. Although it was still the rainy season, I don’t recall ever having to dust my umbrella once. Fall deals may also reflect smaller crowds where some tourists may avoid the entire Caribbean due to hurricane hype. In reality, Costa Rica is rarely affected by the direct impacts of hurricanes and, despite its size, it has several different climate zones. All in all, it was one of my best solo travel destinations.

Hotels abound in a wide range of prices, from high-end global chains to smaller, locally owned properties. TripAdvisor lists 120 hotels in 20 different locations within Costa Rica. A local site listed 61 5-star hotels with nightly rates ranging from $ 113 to $ 1,240, providing virtually unlimited luxury travel options for individual travelers. Seven of those 5-star hotels were in the $ 200 to $ 299 range, and while they aren’t cheap, they compare favorably with resort prices around the world.

Costa Rica is one of the best resorts for singles, offering 4 different types of vacations for solo travelers: 1. historical and cultural travel packages that reflect the Caribbean and Latin American heritage, 2. ecotourism or eco-travel packages, 3 Adventure travel deals and 4. beach getaways not just for honeymooners.

I started my journey in the capital, San José, putting together my own cultural travel package as I went along. The Spanish colonial history of the country began in the early 16th century when Christopher Columbus was named Costa Rica on his travels. After the arrival of its first Spanish settlers in 1522, it followed approximately 300 years before independence was achieved.

The city has several museums to explore, such as the National Museum of Costa Rica. However, it was the Gold Museum that really intrigued me. Not only was it filled with gleaming gold artifacts, but they represented pre-Columbian figures long before the arrival of the Spanish. (Plus, the adjacent gift shop sold copies of these unique items, perfect to take home as gifts for friends and family.)

History scholars and architecture enthusiasts may be disappointed to find that most of the intact buildings in the capital only date back to the 19th century and not the colonial period. The impressive Metropolitan Cathedral of San José was built in the late 19th century replacing the original structure destroyed by an earthquake. Newer, but considered the best historic building in San José, is the National Theater of Costa Rica, which also dates from the late 19th century. This year, which celebrates its 117th anniversary, it is known for its ornate pink and gold marble interior, but it is also home to a stylish Viennese-style café. At the front, two towering statues, Ludwig van Beethoven and the 17th-century Spanish playwright Calderón de La Barca, closely watch 21st-century visitors as they enter.

After leaving San José and heading to the countryside, it’s easy to see that Costa Rica is one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations offering affordable travel for individual travelers. The jungle, parks and wildlife sanctuaries make up 25% of the country. Although small in square miles, Costa Rica has one of the richest biodiversity in the world. In keeping with its green approach, the government has undertaken a program over time to voluntarily achieve carbon neutrality in 2007. The highly photogenic red-eyed tree frog is most typically depicted to represent the wildlife of Costa Rica. . As I found out, you don’t have to go far to see colorful examples. From the patio of my hotel, a low-flying hummingbird, one of the 26 local species, accompanied me for breakfast every morning. The rainforest, with its 3-4 distinct levels, provides the opportunity to see sloths resting in the trees and monkeys screeching on the canopy; however, dense growth can make it difficult to detect.

There is a third option for individual travelers looking to pick up the pace. Beyond placid bird watching and wildlife photography, Costa Rica offers abundant opportunities for an adventurous vacation for singles, from zip-lining above the treetops to rappelling down waterfalls at LaFortuna / Arenal. Six to seven rivers have whitewater rafting, while both coasts offer snorkeling and diving. Although the Arenal Volcano no longer draws crowds at night after its nightly eruptions ended in 2010, six major volcanoes remain to trek. The resulting hot springs are still an ideal spot for “Happy Hour” watching the sun go down. Unprepared, I was glad to see that the gift shop was selling attractive swimsuits in bright tropical colors, albeit a little short on fabric!

Finally, no trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting the nearly 300 beaches of the Pacific coast to the west and the calmer Caribbean to the east. I recommend trying both sides.

For me, having my home base in San José in the Central Valley was ideal, as it was an easy day trip to the rainforest, but with the beaches and boat rides still close at hand. The quality and prices were definitely quite good even for solo travelers. If you can’t decide whether you want to go to the Caribbean or Latin America, Costa Rica offers you “2 for the price of 1” instead of, as individual travelers often find “1 for the price of 1”. price-for-2 “! Whether you’re looking for a boomer trip or a millennial adventure, go ahead and add Costa Rica to your bucket list.

The Ferrari 458 Italia Spider: A Closer Look At This Sports Car’s Performance, Technical Data, Features, Rivals Comparison, History, Used Prices

from classic to modern

CAR

The 458 Spider sports car, also known as the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider, was unveiled in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and was priced at $ 257,000.

It was the convertible version of the 458 Italia and featured a unique retractable hardtop.

This was, in essence, a roadster that replaced the conventional soft top with an automatically operated hard top, made entirely of aluminum, which stored in front of the engine compartment in just 14 seconds and without affecting the car’s aerodynamics. The coefficient of resistance remained at 0.33.

The 458 Italia’s engine cover was modified to contain this new system, which actually weighed 25kg less than the soft top used on the F430 Spider.

An added benefit was that additional space was created behind the seats for storing luggage etc.

Externally, this sports car looked very similar to the coupe variant, with the front section unchanged, while the rear area received minor styling changes to maximize airflow to the engine cooling ducts and oil cooler.

Another innovation was that the 458 Spider was equipped with a large, adjustable and electrically operated windbreaker, which was designed to reduce speed and dissipate airflow throughout the cabin so that conversation between occupants is not impaired, even at high speed.

The Spider weighed 3,153 pounds, slightly heavier than the 3,042 pounds of the 458 Italia.

It had an aluminum body on an aluminum chassis that had been reinforced to withstand the additional stresses consistent with the removal of the roof section.

It used rear-wheel drive, with 20-inch wheels, and vented and perforated carbon ceramic disc brakes.

There was a steering wheel-mounted Manettino switch that controlled the limited-slip differential (E-Diff), traction control (F1-Trac), ABS, shocks, and transmission, all electronically activated.

THE MOTOR

The 458 Spider was powered by the same 4.5-liter V8 mid-engine, with the new direct fuel injection used in the 458 Italia.

It produced the same 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, while top speed was 3 mph slower at 199 mph.

It had a whopping 12.5: 1 compression and used a seven-speed Getrag F1 style paddle shift gearbox with a double clutch.

The Spider produced 570 bhp at 9000 rpm (the red line) and 398 ft / lbs of torque at 6000 rpm, with most being available at 3250 rpm.

Total fuel consumption was 21 mpg. Technical data:

COMPETENCE

Typical of the competition for the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider were the following sports cars: Audi R8 GT Spider and Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster. Ferrari performance:

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

A Ferrari 458 Italia Spider in good condition could cost around $ 300,000, while an example in showroom condition could cost as much as $ 525,000.

Another Ferrari supercar.

This marks the end of my Ferrari 458 Italia Spider Sports Car Review.

When it comes to iconic cars, some popular names from the 1960s include Triumphs and MGs. However, today’s cars are not far behind in popularity. The classic cars of the 60s was an expression of protection and self-expression. The fact is that British sports cars suffered the same fate. Common car models in the 1960s were leaky, meticulous, and unreliable.

But there was a car in the 1960s that became so popular that it earned the title of “legend.” It was called the Jaguar E-Type and it was a great symbol of lust and speed. Today, the same car has been reborn in the form of a special edition Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60. This new installment is a convertible and F-Type coupe.

The special edition Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60 offers the E-Type. This classic car is available in Sherwood Green. In the 1960s, this color was the most desirable. And it’s back with the new special edition The Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60.

In the queue, you can find the “E-Type 60” badges. The second place where you can find the badges is the door sill plates. The vehicle is powered by a 3.8-liter E-Type engine, which is a 575-hp V-8 engine. The engine sends power to all 4 wheels. This is a masterpiece of this era, which is a combination of decades-old design and 60 years of technological progression in the automotive world.

The SV Bespoke division of the vehicle is what supports the Heritage 60’s special paint, two-tone Caraway and Ebony Windsor interior. In addition, the carpets are also adorned with Caraway and there are also aluminum trim on the console. They are inspired by the vehicle’s rear view mirror found on the original E-Type.

As a buyer, you have the freedom to choose between the convertible body type or the F-Type pair. Regardless of which type you choose, you’ll get 20-inch gloss black wheels, chrome trim, and black brake calipers.

The results are quite impressive as all the work has been done manually. Like other cars from the ’60s, the green colorway along with the clutter-free exterior and trimmed interior make this vintage vehicle an ideal choice for today’s buyers.

Here, you have a lot of retro flavors to support your inner counterculture and you still have something that is classic. Plus, you don’t need to worry about annoying electronics, oil leaks, and carburetor adjustments on an old British car.

So, this was a description of the first look at the Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60. If you are interested in buying this classic but modern car, we suggest that you be ready. The manufacturer will produce only 60 units of this car. The sale will begin in the next few weeks, if not days. Therefore, you may want to contact the manufacturer to reserve your order.

Without some form of protection, most truck beds are seriously damaged fairly early in life. Normal use scratches paint and often damages teeth as well. With the addition of simple truck bed mats, much of the costly damage to repair could be avoided. Here are 5 reasons to consider floor mats for a truck.

1. No puddles of water for rust.

If the water can’t get out of the front bed drains, it will start sliding downhill from rust and corrosion. Hidden water under some coatings just stays there and causes problems. But with a mat in place, the pooling water is easy to see and easy to stop. Simply fold the mat away from drains and stop the problem in seconds.

2. The mats stay still.

Someone remarked upon seeing my rubber bed mat that I had not glued it on. Letting go of the glue really improves the system in every way. These mats are not actually going to blow away anyway. It is due to the great weight and also because the mat lies flat and provides little for the wind to catch. Rubber bed mats do not move and do not blow away in the wind.

3. Installation means simply unfolding it.

The rubber mats unfold and that’s all it takes to install one. Just snap it into place on the back of the bed and remove any ties or tape and give it a gentle push. Work around the fender gaps and any other obstacles and you’re done. The only really difficult part is picking him up and putting him to bed. That amount of rubber, if the mat is rubber, it weighs a lot.

4. Save that drill.

Drilling holes in the bed of a truck causes mental anguish to the owner of this truck. Every hole created becomes the beginning of corrosion. Simply unfolding the bed mats looks so inviting. There is no drill or bare metal to damage the bed at all.

5. There is no hidden damage from moving and shaking.

Being able to see the bed almost instantly for observation means little chance of under-rug damage occurring. Loose plastic bed liners can vibrate and rub off paint. Since shiny metal hides under a hard-to-remove deck liner, the truck bed can slowly begin to rust and pit. That will not happen under a bed mat, as the mat cannot damage the bed and the paint under the mat can be seen very easily.

Truck bed mats easily protect bed paint and more. The mats are also a perfect protection for the most expensive coatings. Using mats instead of spraying liners allows you to really use a truck and still keep the spray liner looking new.

Subaru is a highly respected brand in the Australian automotive market. This means that when it comes to buying an SUV, it’s not just the Subaru Forester’s prices that are attractive. The Forester has received high marks with critical acclaim for its performance, style, features and safety, making it one of the best value models on the market.

Why choose Subaru?

Subaru is a leader in its automotive class. The brand scores highly compared to many other established brands. The Forester features smart use of interior space with large windows and doors for a great driver experience and ease of access. Large windows ensure plenty of light and views, while passengers can enjoy plenty of legroom and seat. The 2014 Forester was the first small model SUV to pass the latest crash tests required by the safety agency, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What to expect from the forester:

For most consumers, the Subaru Forester’s reasonable prices are the most attractive feature. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Subaru SUVs stand out for their reliability and economy. Consumers new to the SUV should anticipate better road handling with a spacious and comfortable interior. Some SUV models are available with up to seven seats with three rows of seats, which can allow for additional passengers or the flexibility to increase cargo space. While the Forester is limited to five seats, the Subaru Tribeca is a seven-seater SUV option. Many consumers find the SUV comforting in all road conditions, especially on slippery roads or off-road terrain.

Considerations before buying an SUV:

If you are new to the SUV segment, it is important to understand whether an SUV would suit your particular needs. As with researching a hatchback or saloon, you’ll need to assess your specific needs, such as the type and size of cargo you would typically carry, the number of passengers, the types of road conditions where you live and travel, and your style of private driving. Many people appreciate the higher driving perspective that SUVs offer. However, even a smaller SUV model like the Forester is a larger vehicle than many hatchbacks, making it a bit more challenging in smaller parking lots and on smaller roads.

New or used models:

For many people, the decision to buy a new or used model will come down to Subaru Forester prices. However, there are other considerations that must be evaluated. New models will qualify for the recently announced limited price service for the life of the vehicle. In addition, the new models will have the security of warranties and the latest security features. It is worth taking a little time to research all the options before making a decision.

If you are interested in learning more about Subaru Forester pricing or availability, please contact us. We have a large showroom with new and used models. Our sales team will be happy to answer any questions you may have or arrange your test drive.

The best commercial truck financing means low interest rates and low monthly payments. Businesses that don’t make sure they get the best deal on their loans may have a hard time making a profit if the majority of their income has to be spent on repaying loans. The way to avoid this scenario is to have a solid plan before seeking commercial truck financing.

The personal credit of business owners will be as important as their business credit to a future lender. Careful planning means that these business owners will need to obtain their personal credit reports, as well as their business credit reports, to make sure there are no errors in them that contribute to lowering scores. If there are such errors on the credit report, business owners can eliminate them before a lender has to verify these reports. The business owner needs this score to be as high as possible, because a high credit score means lower interest rates.

Taking the time to save for a substantial down payment, at least 20 percent will encourage lenders to offer lower interest rates. Commercial truck financing that asks for the full purchase price of the truck gives the lender 100 percent of the risk. When business owners agree to bear a significant amount of the lender’s risk, they reward these customers with low interest rates. Loans with low interest rates do not take as long to pay off and allow business owners to make a profit earlier than they would with higher interest payments.

When in the process of buying commercial vehicles, business owners can take advantage of the opportunity to be prequalified for financing their commercial trucks. When they do this, they know what kind of interest rates the lenders are offering, and they also know what terms they can get. When they go to buy a truck with this knowledge, they can immediately compare their pre-qualified offers with those that the dealer finance company can offer.

Trucks are selling a lot lately. The economy has made people who make a living driving trucks are deciding to dedicate themselves to another form of business due to the high price of gasoline. This fact allows you to find used trucks that are in very good condition and that will have a much lower ticket price. Business owners can easily find these trucks by doing an online search, and a lower purchase price will make it easier for them to pay a 20 percent down payment.

By setting up to receive the lowest interest rates and the best terms, business owners make it easy to obtain the financing they need.

When considering auto transporters and salvage vehicles, 3.5-ton trucks can provide a cost-effective alternative to 7.5-ton trucks, especially with rising fuel costs.

Operating costs and flexibility are the keys to purchasing decisions. It is not necessary to buy a larger truck than necessary. The choice depends on the loads, but for recovery operators with more than one vehicle, it makes sense to have at least one 3.5t truck in the mix.

Illustration of fuel costs

If the cost of fuel is £ 6 per gallon, then this would be roughly £ 40,000 per 100,000 miles for a 7.5t truck. As a 3.5t truck it uses about half of this amount (running at about 30 mpg as opposed to 15 to 17 mpg for a heavier truck).

After 100,000 miles, you will have saved most of the cost of replacing the recovery light vehicle.

3.5 Your truck

• Capital cost: around £ 20,000
• Fuel at £ 6 per gallon per 100,000 miles: £ 20,000 (based on 30 mpg)
• Total cost: £ 40,000
• excluding other operating costs such as taxes, insurance and maintenance.

7.5 Your truck

• Capital cost: around £ 48,000
• Fuel at £ 6 per gallon per 100,000 miles: £ 40,000 (based on 15 mpg)
• Total cost: £ 88,000
• excluding other operating costs such as taxes, insurance and maintenance.

Paying for the tonnage

Heavier 7.5 ton trucks are more expensive to drive, and in most car hauling cases a 3.5 ton truck will provide enough payload to do the job just as well.

The KFS designed and built ultracar transporter specifically for the vehicle transport market offers a massive 1,780kg payload in a low-line chassis design. This payload covers about 80% of the cars on the market, which means that a lighter and more efficient vehicle can be used in many races, especially for longer trips, allowing instant fuel savings.

Versatility

The versatility of the 3.5 ton truck makes it an ideal vehicle for the salvage business. 3.5 ton vehicles can be driven with a standard UK license and, unlike 7.5 ton trucks, they do not require an additional license, or tachograph or tachograph training.

They also tend to be able to reach higher speeds, even under full load, reducing travel times and reducing overtime. As a smaller vehicle, they are easier to maneuver with smaller loads and since they are based on a standard chassis, the maintenance and testing costs are also very competitive.

Quality

The latest generation of 3.5 t trucks is not of inferior quality. They’re rugged and built to last even if they cover 2,500 miles per week, and they should provide similar reliability to heavier vehicles. The entire aluminum deck construction combines comprehensive strength and corrosion resistance while maximizing the vehicle’s carrying capacity.

There are numerous reasons, especially financial, why it makes sense to switch to a 3.5 ton truck, especially with those with a fleet of vehicles. A 3.5 ton truck makes economic sense to include in an operator’s fleet.