Top 6 reasons why you shouldn’t get a hybrid or Electric Vehicle in the Philippines

The shift to EV or electric vehicles is getting a push in the local market, this first! There is increased hype by local online car magazines that promote newer models of hybrids and electric cars from several car brands. In most countries, there are many EVs and hybrids running on their roads. China is making a push for EVs and similar hybrids to lessen carbon pollution. Basically, appealing to the cars buyers to be part of the second wave of cars to come. Primarily the electric vehicle revolution that promises to rid us of pollution caused by petrol driven cars. Tesla and a slew of foreign companies are making the move to wholly electric vehicles and the whole world is following suit. In the Philippines, there are some aspects of it that escapes the Filipino motorist who are obsessed with paying less for fuel! This article will show the top 6 reasons why you shouldn’t get a hybrid or Electric Vehicle, especially now.

Auto blog tips: Selling cars with the Underhanded methods of sales reps

Going out buying a new car is not so cut and dried unless you’ve got deep pockets that won’t be a problem. Remember that sales reps in dealerships make money off,every car they sell! That makes you fair game for the underhanded methods of sales reps which car buyers should know about. Just assume the following whenever anyone enters the sales floor. How you conduct yourself during car hunts is important to get a favorable result. Not the opposite way, which is the sales reps alley which is akin to pre-feeding frenzy in a shark pool. Just like any businessman or women, these car sellers have methods to fleece any unwitting customer and get a good deal from it! Knowing how they operate can significantly put things in your favor but can be fleeting though. But the important thing to know is getting in the right way and maneuvering the outcome opposite their way!

1. The clock is ticking scheme. Getting your signature on the dotted line is important for them! Taking too much time will give the customer time to think about his or her options. Solution: Never be pressured to decide on their time, because you’re the ultimate loser. Do things when you want it, and make them wait till you’re ready.

2. Car salesmen can read their customers. The minute you enter and start moving about, they are watching and sizing you up! This is where they can be successful or not, to make things go their way. Fail this first move and you’ll not get the best deal.

Solution: Don't be so vocal and keep mum to their probing questions. This will set them off and allow you to get the better of the deal.

3. The car you want will not be available. If the salesman gets wind of your choice, he might say that stocks are low and to get it now. Or the offer will not be the same and the preferred car will not be available.

Solution: That’s not true, because there might be more available and they’re pressured to sell cars fast. It cost money to keep cars on the sales floor. Better to take your time.

4. Salesmen who are catching up with their quota will stick it to you! The pressure to close a deal and make quota is real, with many of them trying to get the most cars on the floor. It prompts them to stick it close to get the sale, at the soonest time!

Solution: Just take your time and play the rep,to get the best options.

5. They show you why it’s a good idea to get the car they are pushing. In a nutshell, all the best and greatest things why you should get the car is layout out! But, these reps have not brushed up on the car's specs and are talking through their noses.

Solution:

This is a very deceitful proposition for any buyer on the floor. Ramrodding their decisions,all because they don’t know any better. Just keep much and check online, do the research and decide.

6. What color will it be, sir/mam? Getting rid of all inventory on the sales floor is needed for newer stocks to be sold. A rep will give a choice of another color available if the preferred one is not present. This limits your choice to right here and now, please decide whilst under pressure.

Solution: Stick to your guns and don’t let rep, pressure you into a decision now. Let him wait, till you’re ready.

7. The rep will outline expenses and take you to the table! When this happens, it means that an impending close to the sale is coming. All the extras and expenses will be laid out to make you decide.

Solution: Schedule it another time and at your own pleasure. You decide and no one will make you do anything that isn’t your choice.

Next time you want to go to dealerships, this will help in managing underhanded methods of sales reps to be less of their victims. Just remember these tips that will move any deals for new cars into your advantage!  

Premium SUV versus Sport truck: Is the 2019 Toyota Fortuner better than the 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor?

SUVs are the rage for car buyers and it’s safe to say that Filipinos prefer them to passenger cars. But, is spending your hard earned cash on Raptor pickup? Most car buyers may buy into that and the 2019 Fortuner is better than the Ford Ranger Raptor for reasons that will be made obvious. Predictably, the qualities that were associated with the Ford F-150 large pickup are ascribed to the Ranger Raptor which gave a very good impression though. Now, what makes the Toyota Fortuner better without add-ons similar to the Raptor? Surely the Raptor would have the edge, but it boils down to these subtle differences that make anyone think twice. Despite the Baja truck factor of the Raptor which the Fortuner SUV doesn’t lag far behind in. Just remember that both are SUVs and share the same bolt-on, a ladder-type frame which is a very sturdy chassis too!

A. Body style,interior and chassis used. The two vehicles have their difference but both offer different advantages in regard to the chassis, differences in the body is quite obvious. One has truckbed and the other is wagon body,with significantly more room. Despite the sporty trim of the b-turbo raptor, it’s still no match for the refined interior of the Fortuner.Keep in mind that the interior of the Fortuner is for upper scale and semi-luxury appointments. Inside the Raptor are many improvements on the Ranger though it may not measure up to the Fortuner.

B. Engine and performance Engines used by the Raptor and Fortuner are both very different because of the displacement and type of turbo used by either SUV. Equipping the pickup is the two-litre-bi-turbo engine that is capable of two-hundred horsepower and five-hundred-foot pounds of torque. Unfortunately, the Raptor’s engine is only the two-litre option. Under the hood of the Toyota SUV wagon is either a two-litre or a two-point-eight engine which have a varying horsepower of 174 Ps and torque of 450. Naturally aspirated engines are better and don’t need extra piping for oil that is used to lub because of high heat! Though when it comes to the suspension systems , the Raptor is better than the Fortuner too. Just remember both are four-wheel-drive and can handle tough lumps and bumps. Is it necessary to have expensive suspension parts when driving on city streets? Add up the complex bi-turbo and suspension of the Raptor, compared to the supple layout of the Fortuner which is cheaper to maintain. Let’s not forget they are both four-wheel drive vehicles that are rear wheel drive, for better traction on any road surface.

C. Safety features Both are the top of their class for the sport pickup and the SUV category without a doubt. Standard safety features like stability control, hill start assist, Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, and disc on disc brakes for the front and rear. Other high tech safeties include collision warning, with rear cam and front and back sonar for parking assist. Each is equipped with dual, side, curtain, and knee airbags for driver protection when in a collision. Extras that either has is Hill Descent Control and extra features that improve safety further and for everyone’s better peace of mind! Securing the driver and passengers is 3-pt. ELR seat belts,pre-tensioners and force limiters, last are the Isofix latches for car seats. All car brands have almost the same safety equipment, especially most premium models sold. Installing advanced sensors and other driving aids is standard for all car makers to get the most sold model!

D. Interior features and comfort features Inside the passenger compartment the Raptor has different trim from the Ranger, but almost the same layout and a few changes. Giving the upgraded Raptor a lifestyle truck vibe when contrasted with standard trim for the Ranger pickup. The Fortuner is far better because of passenger comfort and is made for city driving too. There might be some differences in the ride of either, because of the more advanced dampers of the Raptor. Not to make the Fortuner any less a performer with its premium dampers too. One main difference between the Raptor and the Fortuner is how many passengers can fit. But, go beyond that with each having auto ACs that are multi-zone, multi-function touchscreen with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for infotainment. Every amenity for the passengers like cup holders, pockets, plug-in power socket, and even one-touch start button for fast starts are included in top trims for both! Between the two vehicles, there isn’t much difference except for the truck bed!

E. Price of the Fortuner and the Raptor Will you go for the more expensive Fortuner or a lesser cost of less than 245,000 for the Raptor? You get premium SUVs that are cost-effective for rain or shine. Power and performance are best for these options, with the best safety, interior features as trim which is a hard act to follow. Other similar models aren’t as full-featured, like them which is something to consider. Toyota has a good reputation for reliability and high standards and customer satisfaction. While Ford is not exactly on the level with Toyota’s reputation when it comes to reliability. Although Ford is known for advanced features and toughness. Maybe, the tie-breaker is the tag price or whatever is the car buyer’s taste!

1. Fortuner 4x4 2.8 V Diesel A/T ₱2,245,000 

2. Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 bi-turbo 4X4 AT ₱ 1,998,000

Conclusion

Which is the better one? Is true that the 2019 Fortuner is better than the Ford Ranger Raptor or the opposite? The Raptor is just new when compared to the Fortuner and comparing both at this point is too premature. Will it be a fancy sport truck or a premium SUV to choose from? But, don’t forget the more complicated and expensive maintenance of a bi-turbo as well. Car buyers must decide, but the Fortuner is one of the best selling SUVs in the market now. What will be the better choice that will suffice should depend on choosing the best option.

Auto blog car of the week: 2019 Toyota Hi-ACE

One of the biggest news that made Toyota Hi-Ace owners very keen, is the release of the redesigned and refreshed 2019 Toyota Hi-Ace! This move took Nissan by surprise and created a new paradigm in the car market with the shock waves it sent. But, even with the new model out which is not to be without the 50th anniversary Hi-Ace Grandia! Toyota is giving owners of the best passenger van many reasons to get an upgrade to the new model and more!

Already in the showrooms with several variants to choose from. Here are the trims that are available now. Choose from the Commuter Deluxe, GL Grandia, GL Grandia Tourer as your main options. To make it easier here are the main differences of the three trims.

Basic specifications

Major changes for the Hi-Ace is a hood, giving it a longer nose. Inside there is significantly more room than ever! Making this the idea go-to van for families on road trips. There’s only the sliding door on the left side so far, one with sliding doors on either side may be coming soon. For everyone inside, there are cup holders and pockets to put drinks with snacks too. To keep all passengers chill is automatic multi-zone AC just like the box type version. If you’re thinking of trading up or getting your first family van. Consider the 2019 Toyota Hi-Ace as your first choice that equals comfort and reliability.

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