Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

If you take driving vacations with young children, that familiar refrain of “are we there yet” has probably long since lost its comical charm. Fortunately, technology can come to the rescue with in-car entertainment packages that will keep young minds engaged for hours on end. But with a bewildering array of available features and prices ranging from $100 to more than $2,000, settling on the right product for your progeny can be a difficult choice.

Portable DVD players were all the rage about five years ago, but experts say they can become dangerous projectiles. “In an accident, any system that isn’t securely fixed to the vehicle can become a serious problem,” says Bill Edmonds, a sales and installation expert at Kromer Radio in Toronto.

With that in mind, we limited our search for in-car video systems to models that are either roof mounted, securely strapped to headrests or built right into car headrests. Below are our picks for video-to-go with an eye on price, value and features.  Please note that prices are in Canadian dollars.

Venturer Mobile DVD System ($119)
This DVD player with a single, seven-inch screen is about as cheap as they come, but delivers a basic set of features for those with a limited budget. It straps on to the back of a front seat headrest and runs off power supplied by your car’s lighter socket. You can also opt for a rechargeable battery, but that costs another $20-$30 and gets you about 2 ½ hours of unplugged play time. Sound is only delivered through internal speakers with no option for headphones.

Alpine Car Multimedia Package PKG-RSE2 ($799.99)
More than just a video player, this overhead system can also connect to a gaming console so kids can battle each other on the large 10.2” screen. You can also hook up a video camera so you can preview your holiday movies on the way home. Mounting where your dome light would normally reside, the Alpine wires directly into your car’s electrical system so charging is never an issue. Audio is transmitted wirelessly through your vehicle’s stereo or the included wireless headphones. Additional headphones are recommended and cost about $20-$30 each. “A good set of wireless headphones is really best because it allows parents to listen to their own music while the kids are watching a movie in the back,” says Edmonds, who also recommends keeping a spare on board along with extra batteries to power them.

Rosen AV7500 Dual-DVD, Dual-Game Headrest Replacement Systems ($1,500) The Cadillac of in-car entertainment, this system consists of two replacement headrests with integrated 7″ LCD displays that are matched to your vehicle’s original interior. Two pairs of wireless, fold-flat headphones are included with the kit, though the audio can also be transmitted through the vehicle’s stereo. Besides playing movies, the Rosen AV7500 comes with 25 pre-installed video games and one wireless game controller. It also has a USB input for flashdrive media devices and another input for MP3 players. Best of all, each screen can independently play different games, movies or music so your kids will never argue over what to watch.

Story: Phil Raby

© 2010-11 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

The problem is, the pragmatist in me would never permit such a purchase unless I could be convinced of its value. With that in mind, we set out to find the best buy in a luxury sedan over $50,000. What follows are our impressions and the informed opinions of Canada’s top consumer car gurus.

Lexus 2011 GS 350

Lexus 2011 GS 350 ($54,650) – Available only in all-wheel drive for this year, the GS 350 offers legendary Lexus quality and a bunch of luxury goodies and high-tech add-ons. George Iny of the Automobile Protection Association calls it the most reliable of our picks, but notes that it has “lost ground to European competitors, which offer more flash.” Standard features include a power sunroof, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, wood interior trim and ten-way power heated perforated leather seats. For another $4,500 you can upgrade to the Premium Package, which adds parking assist, GPS, back-up camera and ventilated seats. Another $3,500 buys a few more goodies with the Ultra Premium Package, bringing the total price past $62,000 before taxes or fees.

BMW 550i xDrive ($75,900) – Performance is king with BMW drivers, says Mohamed Bouchama of Car Help Canada. “It’s a beautiful car to drive, but I have been getting some complaints about problems with the transmissions.”  The APA’s Iny also describes it as the “enthusiast’s choice,” but laments the German automaker’s “infernal controls” and lower resale value. Compared with the Lexus, this big Bimmer has a little less room but a whole lot more vroom. The xDrive designation adds all-wheel drive, which you’ll probably want in winter with all that power under the hood. Like all our picks, BMW packs in more technology than a fighter jet, including a night vision camera to help you see down the road and warning systems that tell you when someone is in your blind spot or if your vehicle is drifting out of its lane.

Acura RL ($64,690) – Another all-wheel-drive model from Honda’s luxury line, the RL is Acura’s flagship sedan with all the bells and whistles. And although it has a good overall reliability record, this car has all the meat but no sizzle. “It’s a good, long-term ownership car, but it’s lacking any flair,” says Iny. Bouchama is even less flattering. “They need to do something radical with the RL because just doesn’t sell,” he says. “Why would somebody pay $65,000 for it when it’s boring?” Looks aside, the RL has the same power as Lexus but you’ll pay a little more at the pumps. Inside the cabin is fairly roomy and full of high-end finishes and luxury touches. Technological advances include a “collision mitigation braking system,” which can predict an imminent collision and apply the brakes, even if you’re not paying attention to the road.

Cadillac CTS 3.6L

Cadillac CTS 3.6L ($51,565) The only domestic car in our top five, the CTS has plenty of style and the lowest starting sticker price. Iny likes the original looks but notes that reliability is expected to be “a bit less than the European vehicles and significantly lower than the Japanese models.”  The CTS is another slow seller, thanks in part to the lack if sweet leasing deals that became extinct when the North American auto market began to sputter. It offers similar power to the Acura and Lexus, but if you can get by with 30 less horses the Cadillac offers another version with a 3.0-litre engine that is $6,000 cheaper. Both can be had with all-wheel-drive at the prices mentioned. Frequent buyers should be warned that the CTS also has the lowest resale price of our group.

Mercedes-Benz E-350 ($62,500) You can’t talk about luxury cars without mentioning Mercedes-Benz. Few vehicles carry as much cachet as these German luxury sedans. Bouchama says their appeal is strongest with the professional crowd, but you don’t have to be a doctor or lawyer to appreciate its beautiful interior or simple elegance. Iny says reliability hasn’t always been a strong suit for Mercedes-Benz, but the APA has logged few complaints in recent years. The E-Class has the weakest base engine of our choices, but the Mercedes experience is defined by prestige, not power. Besides standard leather, sunroof and wood trim, the E-350 also boasts high-tech features such as “Attention Assist,” which monitors your driving patterns and alerts you with bells and lights if you start to drift off.

Verdict: Although it doesn’t carry quite the same prestige as the Mercedes or BMW, the Lexus GS 350 gets the nods from our consumer experts for its performance, impressive reliability and high resale value.

Story: Phil Raby

© 2010-11 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

We Canadians are big on small cars, but that doesn’t mean we’re willing to sacrifice comfort, safety or value. Fortunately, we don’t have to. There are dozens of fun and frugal sub-compacts to choose from at dealer lots.

“I think these cars are phenomenal,” says Dave Redinger, host of The Neighbourhood Mechanic on AM740 radio in Toronto. “This is where the market is going and they are definitely worth the money.”

But not all of these cars may offer the best deal on wheels, especially when there is a big brother with a little more room and zoom for only a few more dollars. We polled some pros and put together this list of the best sub-compacts and their slightly larger siblings.

Mazda2 vs. Mazda3 – New for the 2011, the Mazda2 is a sporty little hatchback that starts with a base price $2,300 lower than the slightly larger Mazda3 sedan. Besides the handy liftgate, the Mazda2 sips less fuel in the city, but the Mazda3 has a stronger engine, better brakes and transmission. Both offer traction and stability control, but the basic Mazda3 offers more airbag protection for passengers in the back.
Verdict: If you don’t feel the need for that extra “zoom-zoom,” the Mazda2 delivers big savings in a slightly smaller package.

Ford Fiesta vs. Ford Focus – The Fiesta is a cousin of the Mazda2, but offers a different driving experience, according to automotive journalist Jil McIntosh. “The Fiesta has a slightly softer suspension that will appeal to those who don’t like a firmer, rougher ride,” she says. Available in an array of Skittle-like colours, Ford’s smallest offering is just $1,000 less than the bigger Ford Focus and comes with most of the same safety features. And while the Fiesta may be better looking than its bigger sibling, the Focus is still roomier and feels more substantial.
Verdict: The Focus may offer a little more bang for the buck, but the styling is bland and an entirely new value-packed model is arriving this May. For now, the Fiesta rules the road.

Scion xD vs. Toyota Matrix – Scion vehicles have been turning heads south of the border since 2003, but this youth-oriented brand just launched at select Canadian Toyota dealers this past fall. The xD is only $500 more than a base model Toyota Matrix, but offers many more standard features such as power windows and locks, keyless entry, air conditioning and built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Both offer lots of air bags and standard traction control, but the Matrix is decidedly sexier than the quirky looking xD.
Verdict: Although the Matrix is a little larger, the xD serves up the biggest value.

Honda Fit vs. Honda Civic – The nimble Honda Fit has been zipping around Canadian roads since 2006, with its last makeover in 2009. Its most remarkable feature is a flexible rear seat that flips and folds like a Swiss Army knife to allow endless configurations for passengers and cargo. While not as adaptable as the Fit, the best-selling Honda Civic offers a more refined drive and more power. Remarkably, the combined fuel economy for both cars is identical. But while the Civic looks a little larger on the outside, the Fit actually provides a touch more legroom and headroom in the front and back seats.
Verdict: Unless you carry a lot of Ikea furniture on a regular basis, the Civic offers a smoother ride and legendary reliability.

Hyundai Accent vs. Hyundai Elantra – Only $1,500 separates the cheapest four-door Accent model and the brand new Elantra, but these two cars are worlds apart. Both come with Hyundai’s five-year comprehensive warranty, but the Elantra accelerates past the Accent in almost every way. Not only does the Elantra offer more protection for its passengers, it also features more standard power options and a stronger engine that actually burns less fuel.
Verdict: The Elantra pulls away from the Accent and never looks back in this race.

Story: Phil Raby
Images: Microsoft Images

© 2010-11 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

As an automotive writer, I get to drive a lot of new cars and most of them are either quite fancy or very frugal. But once my test drives are over, I slide back behind the wheel of my own aging SUV. And as fuel prices rocketed up this year, I found myself wondering what I could do to numb the pain at the pumps.

Buying a hybrid was out of my budget and downsizing to a smaller vehicle just isn’t practical for me. Then I heard about something called hypermiling, the brainchild of Illinois native Wayne Gerdes. He claims to have doubled his fuel economy simply by altering his driving habits. It seemed implausible, but the price was right so I decided to park my skepticism and give it a go.

Boiled down to its essence, hypermiling is all about taking it easy on the gas pedal, anticipating the traffic ahead and keeping your vehicle well maintained.

But first, I needed a basis of comparison for my 2003 Honda Element, so I purchased a fuel economy meter called a Scangauge ($155 from www.scangaugecanada.com). This little digital device easily plugs into a connector hidden under the dashboard. Once hooked up, the Scangauge provides real-time fuel consumption use.

In my case, the official mileage for my vehicle is 11.0 litres of gas for every 100 km traveled in the city and 8.8 litres per 100 km on the highway. Of course, those are government figures obtained in ideal laboratory conditions. Under real world driving, most vehicles use 10-20 per cent more fuel than the official rating and my boxy Element is no different, logging a more realistic average of 13.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The next step was getting my vehicle in tip-top shape, so it was off to the garage for an oil change with synthetic oil, a new air filter and proper inflation of the tires.  Once that was taken care of, it was out the door and straight into the slow lane, literally.

Hypermilers recommend staying at or preferably under the maximum speed limit and creeping away from stop signs and red lights. Braking heavily is also frowned upon and drivers are encouraged to watch upcoming traffic lights carefully. If it looks like a red light is coming soon, you just ease off on the accelerator and coast up to the light.

The net effect of all this is that you turn into your grandmother behind the wheel. Slow and steady may win the race, but that doesn’t mean other motorists will understand or applaud your noble intentions. And while I was never honked at or flipped off, I did get impatient glares from rushed drivers who didn’t understand my adherence to the speed limit.

Serious hypermilers also shut off their engines at red lights to save fuel. Contrary to the popular belief, starting up your engine again only consumes the equivalent of about 10 seconds worth of gas at idle, so any full stop longer than that will save you money. This is a big part of how hybrid vehicles achieve such great fuel economy in the city. However, those cars automatically start up again as soon as your foot lifts off the brake.

In a regular gasoline-powered vehicle, you have to turn the key again and then put the vehicle in “Drive” before pulling away. This not only requires more anticipation, but can also cost valuable seconds if an emergency vehicle suddenly appears behind you. In addition, too much starting and stopping could lead to expensive repairs because of excessive wear on the starter, battery and alternator.

But even with limited application of the full stop technique, the savings on my gas costs were instantly apparent in city driving. I routinely averaged around 9.2 L/100km, about a 32 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. To look at it another way, if I’m spending an average of $200 a month at the gas station, that would amount to a savings of $768 a year.

Out on the highway, the results were less dramatic, but I still managed to shave about nine per cent off my fuel bill.

Overall, I found that hypermiling did result in some serious savings without a whole lot of effort. In my case, it was equivalent to getting the mileage of a mid-sized car while driving a larger, much less aerodynamic vehicle.

If you want to save fuel too, try these gas saving tricks to bump up your mileage and starve the oil companies:

• Slow and steady really does win the race, so try to drive like there is a raw egg between your foot and the gas pedal
• Anticipate traffic lights and slow-downs to avoid heavy braking
• If your car didn’t come equipped with a fuel economy meter, consider buying an aftermarket gauge to monitor your real-time gas consumption
• Switch to synthetic oil at your next pit stop and ask for the lowest viscosity oil recommended for your vehicle
• Keep your tires properly inflated and check them regularly, especially in winter when colder temperatures can lower tire pressure
• Change your air filter at the recommended intervals or whenever it gets clogged with dirt and debris
• Avoid unnecessary idling and all drive-through restaurants
• Keep heater and air conditioner use to a minimum. Using the AC on max can suck up to 25 per cent more fuel
• Driving with the windows open can also create drag and burn more fuel, especially at higher speeds
• Combine your errands or even walk to your appointments whenever possible.
• Getting lost wastes time and fuel, so map out your travels or even consider buying a dash-mounted GPS unit
• Remove cargo racks and rooftop carriers if they are not in use
• Minivans with removable seats should carry only the seating needed for your daily driving
• Don’t use your trunk as storage, remove any sports gear or extra weight that’s not being used that day
• Don’t use four-wheel drive if its not needed
• Always try to park in a spot where you can pull straight in and pull straight out again, but don’t circle endlessly looking for the perfect spot

Story: Phil Raby
Images: Microsoft Images

© 2010-11 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

Imagine Avatar popping off the screen in real 3D, right in the comfort of your own living room. No sticky floors, no jockeying for elbowroom and no one kicking the back of your seat.

3D TV is a reality and it may be coming soon to a living room near you, but not everyone believes it’s worth the price of admission just yet. “I think it looks great and it really works, but the content is lacking and the cost is high,” says Technology expert Marc Saltzman. Others seem to agree. A recent report by the Nielsen Company found that a majority of people who tried out the new 3D technology weren’t sold on the idea.

Saltzman says that’s because although the 3D experience is comparable to what you’ll find in a movie theatre, there are a number of issues that could delay or even kill widespread adoption by consumers.

For one thing, many of us have recently upgraded to flatscreen TVs and the new 3D sets command a premium of $200-$400 over the cost of a typical 2D plasma or LCD television. In order to watch DVDs, you’ll also need to buy a 3D-enabled Blu Ray disc player for $350 or more. And then there are the electronic 3D glasses you’ll need costing another $200-$300 for each person in your family.

But perhaps the biggest drawback is the lack of 3D movies and programs. Saltzman says there are less than 10 DVDs available in 3D at the moment, although more titles are coming soon along with 3D video games.

Story: Phil Raby
Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

© 2010-11 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

We asked Saltzman to rate four popular models to find out. (Please note: this article was written for a Canadian audience in November 2009.)

1. iPhone 4

Carrier: Bell, Telus, Rogers
O/S: Apple iOS4.1
Memory: 16GB or 32GB
Screen: 3.5 inches
Available Apps: 250,000

Cost: Phone only (no contract): $659 (16GB); $779 (32GB)
Total 3-year contract (includes phone + monthly voice/data plan*): $2,069 and up (32GB model)

Apple’s ground-breaking iPhone still tops most wish lists, but thanks to a starting price of $659, the cost to own this market leader is steep. Still, Saltzman considers it the “quintessential smartphone,” especially because of the large selection of apps. Apple’s innovative FaceTime feature, which allows video conferencing over WiFi networks, is a big plus.

2. Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant

Carrier: Bell, Rogers
O/S: Android 2.1
Memory: 16GB included, expandable to 32 GB
Screen: 4 inches
Available Apps: 100,000

Cost: Phone only (no contract): $499
Total 3-year contract (includes phone + monthly voice/data plan*): $1,949 and up

Featuring a four-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen, this phone has the world’s brightest display. It boasts many of the same features found on the iPhone, but at a considerably lower price point. Images and video are stunning and the Galaxy uses a new Swype method of touchscreen typing, which lets users slide their fingers around the keyboard to spell out words in record time.

3. Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Carrier: Rogers
O/S: Android 1.6
Memory: 8GB (expandable to 32GB)
Screen: 4 inches
Available Apps: 100,000

Cost: Phone only (no contract): $549
Total 3-year contract (includes phone + monthly voice/data plan*): $1,949 and up

With a great MP3 player and high-resolution camera, this device offers a four-inch, scratch-resistant screen—which we found quickly smudged, making it hard to read. While the battery life seemed short, it did offer two unique applications: Timescape, which corrals all your updates into one handy place, and Mediascape, which manages your photos, videos and music.

4. BlackBerry Torch

Carrier: Bell, Telus, Rogers
O/S: Blackberry OS 6.0
Memory: 4GB (expandable to 32GB)
Screen: 3.2 inches
Available Apps: 10,000

Cost: Phone only (no contract): $609
Total 3-year contract (includes phone + monthly voice/data plan*): $1,949 and up

RIM’s latest device provides the comfort of a QWERTY keyboard, top-notch security, and touch-screen functionality. But the phone is heavy, and it’s too easy to inadvertently tap the slider-screen—which can disconnect a call or open an app. Also, the 5MP camera only shoots VGA-quality, as opposed to HD.

Bottom Line: If you’re an app-keener and want a phone that will impress your friends, then stick with the iPhone. However, you can get most of the iPhone’s features at a lower price-point with the Samsung Galaxy S.

Story: Phil Raby
Image: Andy Newson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

© 2010 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

That new car smell is strangely alluring, but do you really need to buy something right off the showroom floor? Well, about one and a half million Canadians do just that each year, but even more of us seem to prefer the used car fragrance of carpet shampoo and deodorizers. The question is, who’s the smarter shopper?

“If you buy only with your head, you would always buy used,” declares George Iny, president of the Automobile Protection Association. “New costs more, and not just in the initial outlay, but also in the steep depreciation that occurs.”

For example, a new car can lose up to 15 to 20 per cent of its value in each of the first three years of ownership. That means a $20,000 car may only be worth about half of its original sticker price in that short time. After the first three years, however, the depreciation slows considerably.

Iny also points out that with growing popularity of leasing there is a glut of good quality vehicles languishing on dealership lots, and that’s helping to drive used car prices even lower. “These are forced returns of three- to four-year-old vehicles, not somebody trying to get rid of their old clunker,” he says.

Many of these vehicles are sold at new car dealerships as “certified pre-owned” vehicles, meaning they’ve been through a comprehensive inspection and may qualify for new car perks like additional factory-backed warranty, free roadside assistance, 30-day exchange privilege and even low-interest financing. But be prepared to do a little homework. Not all certified used car programs are created equal and some offer very little in extra value.

And of course, not everyone feels comfortable buying a used car, no matter how many 150-point inspections it has passed. Some people prefer buying new cars simply because they don’t want to worry that they could be driving somebody else’s lemon. Other new car advantages include a full bumper-to-bumper warranty and financing or lease rates as low as 0%. Used car financing typically starts at eight to 10 per cent interest for those with good credit and moves up quickly from there. But if you do buy new, the experts recommend hanging on to your vehicle for a good 10 years to make the most of your investment.

Story: Phil Raby
First image: Andy Newson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Second image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

© 2010 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

The product:

ATH-ANC3 QuietPoint™ Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphones

What it claims to do:

According to the manufacturers:
“The ATH-ANC3 employs patented technology that detects environmental noise via miniature microphones incorporated into each ear bud, and applies a corresponding sound-cancelling signal.  To achieve its superior performance in blocking 85% of outside noise, the ATH-ANC3 utilizes active noise cancellation over a wide frequency range unlike some in-ear headphones that actively cancel low frequencies only.”

Possible uses:

Ideal for airplanes and trains or any situation where users want to listen to just their music.

Phil Raby tried out the headphones for a day.

The review:

I’m not sure if it filters a full 85% of outside noise as the product claims, but there’s definitely a noticeable reduction in the ambient noise levels. The soft rubber ear buds are very comfortable and stay put, unlike the standard foam over plastic style. The headphones also come with a host of accessories, including interchangeable small, medium and large rubber tips for the ear buds, a zippered carry case and a two-pin airline adapter for in-flight entertainment. The Noise-Cancelling headphones require a AAA battery to operate, but they can also be used without the battery or in the “bypass mode” as just a high quality set of ear buds. Available in either a white or black.

The Verdict:

A very good investment for music lovers who take their tunes on the road a lot.  A definite asset for airline travellers.

Price point:

Available in Canada for $169.99 through a variety of online retailers.

Review: Phil Raby
Images: audio-technica.com

© 2010 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

Smiling Sammy’s Used Car Lot may claim the best prices in town, but how do you know if the vehicle you’re buying hasn’t been around the block one too many times? Sure it looks solid and drives okay, but somehow Sammy’s personal guarantee of quality doesn’t quite ease your apprehension. If this sounds familiar to you, then maybe you should be looking at buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car.

CPO vehicles are backed by the original manufacturer and sold through its network of dealers. Typically, these are late-model, low-mileage cars that have passed through a rigourous inspection process. Some even come with extended warranties offering additional guarantees beyond the normal factory protection. But there is a premium to be paid for these vehicles and not everyone agrees the higher price is always justified. “You should expect to spend at least $300-500 more for a certified used car, but the question is, is it worth it?” asks Phil Edmonston, author of the Lemon-Aid Used Car Guide.

His answer is a qualified yes for several reasons. For one thing, if your certified car breaks down, you’ll have an additional avenue of complaint. “With a certified used car, it’s easier to hold both the dealer and the manufacturer accountable,” explains Edmonston. “It gives you a more direct route to settling a dispute because you can always bring the manufacturer into the mix.”

And because certified used cars are usually covered by an extended factory warranty, any qualified repairs are done in-house with original parts. As well, unlike third-party warranties sold by independent dealers, owners do not have to pay upfront for the warranty work and wait for reimbursement.

And there are other good reasons to trust certified vehicle programs, says Mohamed Bouchama, director of Car Help Canada, a non-profit consumer association. “They are very good programs because the manufacturer doesn’t want these cars to come back to them for repairs, so they make sure only their best vehicles are put out to their dealers for sale,” he says. And unlike new cars, CPO vehicles are not subject to freight and pre-delivery inspection (PDI) charges, air conditioning tax or fuel taxes.

In addition, many certified programs offer new car perks, such as roadside assistance, free customer shuttle service, free maintenance and low-interest loans.

However, both Edmonston and Bouchama agree that not all certified cars are created equal and buyers should always enter any used car deal with both eyes wide open. Here are their top five tips for buying a certified pre-owned vehicle:

1 – Brand power: Many people prefer buying used cars over new because of the steep depreciation that goes along with that new car smell. But vehicles from Japanese automakers, like Honda and Toyota, tend to lose value at a more glacial pace, making them still quite pricey even after a year or two. However, domestic vehicles from the likes of Ford, GM and Chrysler depreciate much faster and represent better certified buys, say the experts.

2 – Check it out: Just because CPO vehicles are subject to a thorough inspection, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also send your next set of wheels to an independent mechanic for a second opinion. “Don’t be fooled into thinking every certified car has new brakes and tires,” say Bouchama. “Certified could mean that brakes are still 50% worn and may need replacing in the next six months.”  An independent mechanic should charge about an hour’s worth of labour (roughly $80-$100) for an inspection.

3 – Background check: While you’re getting your certified vehicle checked under the hood, it’s also a good idea to check out its back story. A vehicle history report from a web-based service like CarProof or CarFax can reveal hidden accident claims, unpaid liens and odometer fraud. CarFax reports cost $25 for a single history or $30 for unlimited reports. CarProof charges $35 to $60 for each report, depending on the depth of information provided.

4 – To the point: Most certified vehicles are put through a myriad of examinations during the certification process. Often, anywhere between 100 to 300 “points” must be checked off before they can join the elite ranks of used cars. The experts say consumers should ask for the checklist and keep it on file. “You should get the details of what they do so that if something goes wrong you can check it against the inspection and see if it was something that was certified,” advises Bouchama.

5 – Extended care: Peace of mind is top of the wish list for many used car buyers and that’s why factory certified cars often come with extended warranty protection. But not all extended warranties are created equal, so buyers need to look at the fine print to see exactly what is covered and for how long. Some warranties are simply extensions of the original protection up to six years, while others start a new warranty period when you pick up the keys. Also, be wary of any deductibles you may have to pay towards any repairs.

Story: Phil Raby
Images: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Photoshop composite: Anna Rodrigues

© 2010 Consumer Couple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.

LightLoad Towels

Possible uses:

Quick clean ups while on the road.

What the manufacturer claims that it does:

Space Savers: Put a handful of Lightload Travel Towels in your pocket and still have room for your keys and money. Lightload beach and TravelTowels are also the only travel and sports accessory and outdoor gear towels in the world that fit easily in your pocket with room to spare!

Multipurpose: Lightload Travel Towels have thousands of uses unlike any other product. Also known as “a cool tool”, people include Lightloads travel accessory towels in their hiking equipment, backpacking accessories, camping gear, hunting gear, fishing gear, golf accessories, travel accessories, outdoor activities gear, etc. for different reasons. You can buy things like a fire starter, coffee filter and first aid cloth separately and spend more money or buy a Lightload travel towel which is all of the above and save.

Super absorbent: Lightloads are the most super absorbent outdoor sports towels that are made. Each outdoor sports towel is much more absorbent than cotton towels absorbing more than 9 times its weight in water. This makes it the ideal sports towel for camping , hiking equipment and survival kits.

Consumer Couple tried out the towel.

The Review:

The LightLoad Towel fits perfectly in the palm of a child’s hand and is very light.   The neat little packages make them easy for transportation and it is definitely a great way to have something on hand for cleaning when hiking or camping.  As well, we can see all of its uses when in a car or plane for quick clean ups.

We used the towel to clean up after a hike.  It was soft, absorbent and worked really well.   We put it through the washer using cold water and dried it in the dryer.  Although it was a bit fuzzy after coming out of the dryer it was still intact and ready for another job.  We used it to clean our bikes after cycling through the woods.  We wiped down our bikes without the towel falling apart or ripping.

The Verdict:

The Lightload Towel is durable and versatile.  As well, it can be transported easily in a pocket making it perfect for camping, cycling or hiking.  It can be used over and over again so Consumer Couple recommends buying it for its versatility and potential for re-use.

Price point:

Available online through ultralighttowels.com for $5.95 (US) for a package of 3 – 12 x 24 inches.

Story: Anna Rodrigues
Images: Phil Raby

© 2010 ConsumerCouple - Unauthorized reproduction of this article and images is prohibited.