Paintless Dent Removal News

Toyota Moves Forward With Unveiling of All-New FJ Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicle at 2005 Chicago Auto Show

 by: Jenny McLane

Last February 9, 2005, Toyota Unveiled an all new sport utility vehicle (SUV), the FJ Cruiser. Because of the excellent response and interest generated when the FJ Cruiser Concept was presented two years ago, Toyota decided to launch a production version of the SUV. The all-new production model retains much of the design details of the original concept.

Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division said “The FJ Cruiser effectively fills a gap in the Toyota lineup which was once our core heritage - capable, affordable and durable vehicles that are youthful, fun-to-drive, aggressive and tough,” He also further clarified that “The FJ Cruiser will deliver true off-road ruggedness, image and performance at a very low price, making it highly accessible for a large volume of young buyers.”

The FJ Cruiser’s final production design was a joint project by Toyota Motor Corporation and Calty Design Research. They developed the original concept vehicle shown at the North American International Auto Show of 2003. Inspired by the legendary off-road performance provided by the iconic FJ 40, the original 4Runner, and the 4×4 compact pickups, the FJ Cruiser is envisioned as a basic, capable and affordable off-roader aimed specifically at young buyers with active outdoor lifestyles.

The new FJ Cruiser has an authentic, functional form, yet adopts several styling elements with the original FJ 40. A number of these styling cues are visible upfront, such as the wide grill with “Toyota” logo badging, round headlights, and offset combination lamps. Other styling hints include the upright windshield and white cap roof. The rear also displays inspiration from the original FJ 40 with wrapping rear corner windows. The FJ Cruiser also has a modern shape that is woven into a compact package set on a wide track, producing enhanced stability and powerful stance. Utility features include a two-part rear hatch with flip-up glass, black overfenders with mudguards, and silver painted bumper extenders, mirrors, door handles and skid plate. Easy rear passenger entry into the two-door SUV is achieved with rear access doors.

Power is supplied by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, generating 245 horsepower and 282 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission on both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and an available six-speed manual on 4×4 models. The five-passenger FJ Cruiser rides on a modified 4Runner platform and features 17-inch steel wheels and four-wheel disc brakes. Just like all of the SUV�s in Toyota’s line-up, the FJ Cruiser will be equipped with the Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist as standard. All 4×2 models will come with a standard automatic limited slip differential (ALSD).

The tough and straightforward theme of the FJ Cruiser is extended to the interior with a cabin designed specifically for basic functionality and flexible utility. The instrument panel features an exterior color trim, adding to its sophisticated, handcrafted appearance. The faceplate with round inset instrumentation communicates a mechanical appearance. The steering wheel and center-mounted shifter, and attached-look door panels feature tool-like simplicity. The rear seats fold flat, creating ample cargo space and maximum usability.

The interior will be equipped with an array of standard convenience features including air conditioning, AM/FM CD audio with six speakers, tilt steering wheel, four cupholders, passenger seat back pocket, and an upper dash-mounted map/glove box.

The new FJ Cruiser is Toyota’s response to today’s need for an efficient vehicle that is a product of Toyota’s renowned heritage of safety and refinement. With this new SUV, Toyota hopes to address the vehicle requirements of today’s active lifestyle. Another way to keep up with today’s dynamic lifestyle is to keep the FJ Cruiser or any Toyota vehicle in excellent condition. Maintaining such vehicles is easy using the best parts and accessories. Now, finding these parts and accessories is as easy as a few clicks. For instance, you can visit http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA, a leading online store for Toyota parts and accessories. With their proven reputation in the business, you will never regret purchasing Toyota parts from them.

The benefit of retrieving data from flight data recorder using the Black Box was only available to airlines for many years. This invaluable instrument, which helps determine what happened in the critical time before a crash, is now available as Airbag SDM crash data retrieval system on GM cars.

In response to the call of the National Transport and Safety Board (NTSB) in 1997 that vehicle manufacturers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration team up to gather information on vehicle crashes using on board collision sensing and recording devices, General Motors expanded the data downloaded to permanent memory in the air bag sensing and diagnostic module at deployment or in a near deployment collision.

The capability to record pre-crash data has since expanded with time and technological advancement. General Motor’s Vetronix crash data retrieval tool (CDR) collects vehicle crash data via the air bag system SDM.

General motors together with Vetronix Corporation developed the Vetronix CDR System, which downloads the data stored in recordable airbag modules.

Software, hardware and interface cables allow recorded data such as Delta V, driver seat belt usage and pre-impact data to be downloaded to commonly used computers in easy to read format. Interface cables that connect directly to the airbag module are available for vehicles that cannot be powered up after a crash.

This new technology then also makes it easy for investigators to input other vital information, like weather conditions, and send the data to a remote database. The final 5 seconds leading up to an accident event is very vital information that can be stored at the airbag SDM module recorder. This process can only be done using the Vetronix CDR equipment and a PC.

Includes most 1994 and newer Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Cadillac, GM trucks, Saturn, and Hummer vehicles have GM airbag SDM recorded data coverage.
Parts Train is where you can order genuine GM truck or GM car parts and accessories at wholesale prices. We supply every GM parts available today. Our huge inventory and our efficient delivery system allow us to get your parts to you quickly. If you need to have your parts shipped to you right away, then Parts train is the right one for you. Our staff is highly experienced and knowledgeable with all GM car parts and accessories. Visit Parts Train now at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/GMC .

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Quick and Simple Instructions On Using a Car Battery Charger

 by: Jason Miller

I am sure everyone at one time or the other has left the head lights or some other electrical device on and drained your car battery. You may not need to run out and purchase a new battery. A car battery charger can save the day. They are relatively simple to use and operate. Just follow these simple steps and soon your car will back to normal.

1) First, remove the battery cables from the terminal posts. Remember to remove the (-) negative cable first. (This cable is usually black) and then the (+) positive cable. Don�t forget that all your stereo settings will probably be lost when the power is cut off.

2) Now you are ready to hook up the car battery charger to your car. But first, read the owner�s manual and insure that the model charger you are using is suitable for your car. Now, hook the (+) positive cable (red) to the positive terminal and then the (-) negative cable (black) to the negative terminal.

3) Now plug in your car battery charger and switch it on. Al light or some other indicator should turn on. (Consult your owner�s manual)

4) Wait for another indicator to come on to show that the charge is complete. Remove the cables starting with the (-) negative cable (black) first and reconnect your battery.

If your car still fails to crank up, you may have to purchase a new battery or there may be a more serious problem.

Save Thousands on Any New Car by Using the Internet

 by: Jeremy Brubaker

Failure to do your homework will prove costly when you purchase your next new vehicle. The internet makes all of the essential information accessible for free, so fire up your computer and get ready to save money.

If you are unlucky enough to be trading in your old vehicle, brace yourself because it is going to be ugly. The price dealers offer to pay is always painfully low. Don’t be fooled by minimum trade promotions, they will just charge you more for the new car to cover their losses. The only way to get a fair price for your trade is to sell it yourself. Here are a few good web sites to sell your automobile for a small fee.

• traderonline.com
• dealsonwheels.com
• autotrader.com
• ebay.com

If you must trade in your old car, you can always find an independent appraisal online for free. I recommend looking up a few so that you can estimate a price range before you head out to make the trade. In addition to appraising your trade in, these sites provide estimates of how much you could expect to receive if you were to end up selling it yourself.

• nadaguides.com
• kbb.com
• edmunds.com

A fairly new subject to address when preparing to purchase your next new automobile is the rebate, incentive, bonus cash, special offer or whatever they are calling the sale this week. The rebates are a popular tool used most frequently by American auto makers. For the consumer, an advantage of the incentives can be that banks are willing to loan retail price and even a little more. The sale price often ends up thousands of dollars less than the retail price. So if you owe slightly more than your car is worth, you may be able to roll that negative equity over into a shiny new car. I have seen rebates as high as $7000 on GM trucks and $5500 on GM cars. Whether you are upside down in your current vehicle or not, the rebate can save you money. Don’t wait until you get to your local car dealer to ask about it. I found dealers reluctant to admit how big the rebate should have been on my last truck. The most accurate and up to date rebate information can be found on the manufacturer web sites.

• GM.com
• Chevy.com
• Pontiac.com
• Buick.com
• Oldsmobile.com
• Saturn.com
• Cadillac.com
• Hummer.com
• Ford.com
• Lincoln.com
• Mercuryvehicles.com
• Acura.com
• international.chryslercorp.com
• Mercedes-benz.com
• Jeep.com
• Jaguar.com
• Volkswagen.com
• Porsche.com
• Audi.com
• Toyota.com
• Lexus.com
• Nissanusa.com
• Infinity.com
• Volvocars.com
• LandRover.com
• Bmw.com
• Ferrari.com
• Lamborghini.com
• Lotuscars.com
• Suzuki.com
• Kia.com
• Hyundai.com

After researching available rebates, find the difference between the retail and invoice price. Unless you are trying to buy a limited production vehicle, you can usually negotiate a price of a few thousand dollars below the window sticker. The invoice price will give you an idea of how much the dealer paid for the car. I usually push for a price that is a couple hundred dollars over invoice, because I know the dealer will have expenses to cover. The difference between retail and invoice prices can be near $5000. You may have to visit a few different dealerships, but it is worth it. Information on invoice prices can be found at the following web sites.

• nadaguides.com
• kbb.com
• consumerguide.com
• edmunds.com

Now that you know how much to pay for your new vehicle, it is time to address financing. Most buyers need to obtain a loan and if you are not careful, the dealer will squeeze a few thousand dollars out of you here as well. With good credit, the best deal can probably be found at your local bank. Stop in and talk to a loan officer before you go to the car dealer. If you leave it up to the dealership, they will try to push you into the loan that works out best for them. That usually means a higher interest rate and payment for the consumer. If you have less than perfect credit and a current auto loan in good standing call them first and ask to get pre-approved for a new car. By using the internet, you can find banks that are a little more forgiving than your average local bank. Here are a few that I found during a recent search.

• Americredit.com
• wfsfinancial.com
• householdauto.com

It’s easy to fight the price and win when you know where to look. Good luck and enjoy your new car!