Monday, March 14, 2016

Mini Takes The States to Start in Atlanta this Summer


Atlanta will  be the starting location of the 10th Anniversary of MINI Takes the States, a two week adventure across America, this July. To help celebrate,Global Imports MINI, located at 5925 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, is looking to find people who have continually proven that they can defy labels and do things a little differently. It’s not about rebellion, but rather a choice to create one’s own path regardless of the labels that have been put on them by others. The MINI USA #DefyLabels contest is seeking a community member who will bring the prize back to Atlanta.
 
Nominations kicked off on 2/11, just days after the first MINI #DefyLabels ad featuring Abby Wambach, Serena Williams and more ran during the Super Bowl. Four finalists will be selected to join the MINI TAKES THE STATES kick-off and participate with MINI in the rally. One grand-prize winner will receive a two-year lease of a MINI Clubman.
For more information, visit http://www.minitakesthestates.com/

Friday, March 11, 2016

Get Your Vehicle Ready for Spring

Spring is upon us, so to get your car ready for the new season, and save some money, follow these tips:

  1. Clear out your junk *$$$ Saver*. Don’t forget to spring clean your car. Clearing out the junk that has accumulated over the winter (all that weight adds up!) will lighten your load, which can positively affect your gas mileage, handling and braking distance.

  1. Replace old spark plugs and air filters*$$$ Saver*. Replacing your old spark plugs and air filter can instantly improve engine performance and efficiency (more gas mileage!). Spark plugs should be replaced every 50,000 miles, whereas filters should be replaced as often as every 15,000-30,000 miles.

  1. Change your wiper blades. Winter driving conditions can wear those wipers out. Don’t stand for a streaky view through your windshield this spring! Replacing your wiper blades takes a matter of seconds and can make a major positive impact on your visibility during those April showers.

  1. Upgrade your tires*$$$ Saver*Never underestimate the role tires play in performance, handling and safety. Two of the most important things you can do is to check your tread and your tire pressure. Driving on under-inflated tires can be dangerous and expensive (driving on underinflated tires can result in a 25% reduction in fuel economy!). And if you find your tread is in trouble, swap worn-out tires for good all-season or performance-boosting tires. 

  1. Wash the exterior*$$$ Saver*. Lastly, just as important as transforming your ride is maintaining it! Make sure you give your vehicle’s exterior (and its undercarriage) a thorough wash. All the chemicals and salt from winter can lead to serious damage and rust if left unwashed, negatively affecting the look and value of your car. A quick wash now can save you an expensive undertaking down the road!

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Annual Atlanta International Auto Show Begins



 
  
 
There will be a number of 2017 pre-production vehicles on display at the event, including the 2017 Lexus LC 500.

The annual Atlanta International Auto Show runs March 9-13, for five fun days at the Georgia World Congress Center's C-Building on Northside Drive (next to the Georgia Dome).

PARK CLOSE TO THE VENUE

If you're driving to the show please, please park in the YELLOW LOT on Northside Drive. This will save you a long walk to the facility. We want you to save your energy for the show floor and the 400 plus vehicles on display.
The following manufacturers have agreed to participate in the show:
ACURA, ALFA ROMEO, AUDI, BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, DODGE, FIAT, FORD, GMC, HONDA, HYUNDAI, INFINITI, JEEP, KIA, LEXUS, LINCOLN, MAZDA, MERCEDES-BENZ, MINI, MITSUBISHI, NISSAN, RAM, SCION, SUBARU, TOYOTA, and VOLKSWAGEN.

The Auto Show will have Seniors Day on Thursday, March 10, and College Day on Friday, March 11.  All Seniors 55 and older and all College Students can show their identification of age/student id's at the show box office and receive a 50% discount off the $10.00 Adult Admission.  These same Seniors and College Students can also save 50% on parking by showing their identification of age/student id's at the entrance of the Yellow Parking Lot of the Georgia World Congress Center on Northside Dr.  

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Top Ten Vehicles of 2015

Atlanta Auto Beat is proud to present the 2015 edition of its annual list of top-ranked vehicles. Rankings are based on vehicles tested by The Beat, and measure traits such as affordability, fuel economy, functionality, looks and predicted reliability.

We hope you enjoy this list, and as always, feel free to comment.

No. 1: Chevrolet Silverado

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado gets some exterior styling changes and some cool technology to make it a leader in the full-size pickup market.
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado gets some exterior styling changes and some cool technology to make it a leader in the full-size pickup market.
Photo used with permission from General Motors

Chevrolet Silverado


Star
Star
Star
Star
Star
The Silverado is an attractive truck that features a newly topographical hood with a lot of contour lines. There is also a new headlight structure that emphasizes a thin, projector-beam type look. If you opt for upper trim levels, you also get an LED lighting line,

No. 2: Lexus RC 350

The Lexus RC 350 is a sport coupe that combines familiar Lexus styling cues with dramatic flairs to create a striking appearance.
The Lexus RC 350 is a sport coupe that combines familiar Lexus styling cues with dramatic flairs to create a striking appearance.
Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Lexus RC 350


Star
Star
Star
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Star
It seems as if Lexus, after having tremendous success as a luxury brand in the first few decades of its existence, has spent much of the past few years seeking to prove that it can also be a great performance car brand. One of its latest salvos in that battle is the RC 350 sport coupe.

No. 3 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel:

The Chevrolet Colorado Diesel has plenty of towing power and offers a smooth ride.
The Chevrolet Colorado Diesel has plenty of towing power and offers a smooth ride.
Photo used with permission from General Motors

Chevrolet Colorado Diesel


Chevy has been planning the diesel version of the Colorado for quite some time. And the engine that this truck features, a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel, is truly a powerhouse. Chevy officials say it weighs 200 pounds more than the 3.6-liter V6 and 400 pounds more than the gasoline four-cylinder engine that the Colorado also features. The added weight meant that special suspension tuning was in order.

No. 4 Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a formidable competitor in the full size pickup segment, with great towing capacity and plenty of choices of cab and cargo bed sizes.
The Toyota Tundra is a formidable competitor in the full size pickup segment, with great towing capacity and plenty of choices of cab and cargo bed sizes.
Photo used with permission from Toyota

Toyota Tundra


Star
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Star
The pickup truck market is hot and heavy these days, with all the brands that make big trucks trying to ramp up their games. Add to that Toyota, which in the past year, updated the Tundra in a bid to keep up with the competition.

No. 5 Ford Mustang

The 2015 Ford Mustang has received a major makeover that retains the character of the traditional Mustang but adds touches to make it more appealing to a bigger market.
The 2015 Ford Mustang has received a major makeover that retains the character of the traditional Mustang but adds touches to make it more appealing to a bigger market.
Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images

Ford Mustang


Star
Star
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SStar
Taking on a thorough redesign, the 2015 Ford Mustang gets an updated look but still features exhilarating driving performance on the road.

No. 6: Lexus ES 300h

The Lexus ES 300h is a hybrid luxury midsize sedan that presents one of the most compelling values in the sedan market.
The Lexus ES 300h is a hybrid luxury midsize sedan that presents one of the most compelling values in the sedan market.
Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

Lexus ES 300h

Star
Star
Star
Star
Star
The Lexus ES 300h, a hybrid sedan, was introduced a couple of years ago. And although it hasn't received a great deal of fanfare, you could make a strong argument for it being the best overall affordable luxury sedan on the market.

No. 7: Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 remains a huge seller, and with its recent upgrades, it will likely be able to hold on to that high ranking.
The Ford F-150 remains a huge seller, and with its recent upgrades, it will likely be able to hold on to that high ranking.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Ford F-150


Star
Star
Star
Star
Star
It's a bit tempting to wonder whether designers at Ford get nervous every time they are asked to come up with a new look for the venerable F-150 pickup truck. After all, as the best selling vehicle in America year after year, you don't want to mess things up and make the fans unhappy.
Well, for the 2015 model year, the F-150 has taken on a full redesign. The results? Breathe easy, Ford engineers, you got it right.

No. 8: Acura TLX

The 2015 Acura TLX offers advanced safety and technology features, understated yet pleasant styling and a long list of standard features.
The 2015 Acura TLX offers advanced safety and technology features, understated yet pleasant styling and a long list of standard features.
Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Acura TLX


Star
Star
Star
Star
Star
The Acura TLX is a new luxury sedan, replacing two cars formerly made by Acura, the TL and TSX. It is available with a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine and has advanced safety and drivetrain technology available.
This model is a little shorter than the TL, a little longer than the TSX, but all in all is fairly comfortable for front and rear passengers.

No. 9: Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV that is also refined and pleasant on the interior.
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV that is also refined and pleasant on the interior.
TreeStyleFashion

Toyota 4Runner

Rating:
Star
Star
Star
Star
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It seems that every year we get to review the Toyota 4Runner, every year we get to say something nice about it. The 2015 model year version is no different.
This traditional body-on-frame SUV (not many of those left these days, as crossovers are all the rage) seats up to seven if you get the optional third row of seating.

No. 10: Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon has a spacious interior, luxury touches and gets decent fuel economy, making it a very good large sedan.
The Toyota Avalon has a spacious interior, luxury touches and gets decent fuel economy, making it a very good large sedan.
Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

Toyota Avalon


You'll be forgiven if you don't remember the previous version of the Toyota Avalon sedan. It was a quality car, but it provided nothing in the way of style and creativity until its major overhaul in 2013. Since then, and with the current version, the Avalon gives you pretty much everything you'd ask for in a large luxury sedan - good looks and impressive creature comforts.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Tips for Saving a Little Money During the Holidays

The holiday season can be tough on your budget with gifts, entertaining, and meals all putting an extra strain on your bottom line. So how are you to survive another holiday season with your budget intact? We have five tips for how to save during the holidays to help you out.
Make a shopping list
Before you start picking up gifts for everyone you think you need to shop for—and maybe some people you do not—start by making a list of who you need to get a gift for this season. Once you have your list, you can consider how much you want to spend on each. This stage is a great point to start considering your budget—does everyone on your shopping list really need a gift? Would they be just as happy (or happier) with a batch of homemade cookies or a hand-written holiday card? Laying out these shopping guidelines up front will help you avoid overspending and help you set up a holiday budget.
Set a budget
Be realistic: How much can you afford to spend this holiday season? The goal here is not to make a budget that has you spending the least possible—or a budget that lets you do as much shopping as you could possibly want. Abandoning practicality here likely means you’ll ignore your budget altogether, so it won’t be a useful tool to help keep your spending in line. Once you have a budget, the next step is to track your spending: Hang on to receipts ant total them up regularly to see how your spending matches up with your planned budget. If you go off track you can reign yourself back in before your holiday spending goes overboard.
Decide on spending limits
Gift-giving is a pricey proposition, and you may find your friends and family in the same holiday budgeting conundrum that you are. Talk to them about setting dollar limits for gifts, banding together to buy gifts as a group, giving things like babysitting or a homemade meal rather than traditional presents, or even eschewing gifts entirely. You don’t need to exchange pricey gifts to make the holiday season special, and even setting moderate limits on your gift-giving can be a big help for everyone’s expenses this season.
Dial down your extra spending
If you have must-do holiday spending, but are having trouble scraping up the cash to cover it, now’s the time to cut back on unnecessary expenses to save. Do you stop at the local coffee shop for a fancy drink every weekday? Do you go out for lunch at the office every day? Does your family have meals out (or take-out) a few times a week? Even though one cup of coffee may not seem like enough savings to matter, cutting back on small expenses like this will add up over the month. We recommend looking at what you’re spending on extras like this, doing the math, and deciding whether the savings is worth the trouble. In the end, making more meals at home and packing a travel mug full of coffee in the morning can save a good amount without making you feel like you’re tightening your belt too much.
Turn your holiday celebrations into potlucks
The holidays are a time to celebrate—but whether you’re hosting family or friends that can mean a hefty price tag. One easy solution, to both save some cash and get your guests more involved in the celebration, is to make the meal a potluck. Everyone can bring a food dish, drinks, or other supplies to help offset costs—plus you’ll have a more varied selection of dishes and the chance for guests to swap recipes and compare favorites. It’s a win all around.
Make the most of your credit card this seasonYou are going to be spending over the holidays, so why not put it on a credit card that offers rewards or other extras?
-PFCU