How to Decide to Purchase a Hybrid Vehicle

Hybrid vehicles bring a modern spin to everyday life. If you find yourself getting upset by paying one too many visits to the gas pump than maybe it's time to make other arrangements. Hybrids are designed for fuel efficiency. Instead of using gasoline as their sole energy source, hybrids use battery power. This combination of fuel efficiency means less money spent at the pump, less time spent fueling your vehicle, and greater benefits in staying "green" to help the environment.

I made the decision a year ago with dynamite financing rates and gasoline prices sky rocketing I decided it was time to make a change. I thought I would really miss my Honda CRV. I'm happy to say that once I began driving my Toyota Prius around, I've never looked back. I have no regrets and can only encourage buyers that feel the same.

Here are a few thoughts to help you decide if purchasing a hybrid car or hybrid SUV is the right choice for you.

1. Are you looking to save money on gasoline?

If the answer is yes, than a hybrid is the answer you are looking for. Hybrids get better miles to the gallon on gas which means you will save money and have to spend money less often filling your gas tank.

2. Do you want to buy a new hybrid SUV to save the environment?

Although you buying a hybrid vehicle will save the environment, if all of society decided to make the same choice we could save the amounts of pollution and elements from the earth that are used to create gasoline to power traditional cars.

3. Checkout the financing terms of a hybrid.

I was able to get my hybrid vehicle for 0% financing. This won't always be the case, but the dealership really was struggling to sell cars and the end of the year was upon them. This translated to great financing for me. I thought this type of financing would never be possible with a hybrid, I was wrong. Keep yourself up to date on financing terms and conditions when you are shopping to buy hybrid.

4. Hybrid technology is really cool.

Sounds funny when you say it out loud, but the technology of a hybrid is really cool. I love when I'm driving that I can monitor my fuel efficiency and keep up to date on how my car is using battery power to drive. I'm a technology geek, so this car seems like the type of "gadget" I was looking for. Not to mention that when you come to a stop it doesn't even sound like your car is running. I call this my stealth mode.

5. Do you drive a lot?

This was another one of the reasons that I decided to switch to a hybrid. I knew that if gas prices ever climbed as high as they were in the past that I would really have a lot more money spent on gasoline. I love to travel and find myself road tripping a lot. Having a less fuel efficient vehicle meant that I had to make decisions not to see family or friends due to the cost of gas. I didn't want that to be something I had to think about, and it isn't anymore.

How to Decide Which iPod to Car Stereo Works for You

The Apple iPod is one of the most popular devices around. With iPod sales on the rise we are all trying to figure out the best way to use our device as well as how we can preserve the best sound quality.

When I purchased one of my first iPods I struggled to figure out how I could get the best iPod car stereo sound. After spending more money than I would have liked I found the best solution for me at the time.

Here are a few simple steps that can help you figure out which iPod car stereo sound option makes the most sense for your situation.

Step #1 - FM Transmitter
I started off my quest using an fm transmitter. An fm transmitter is a device that plugs into your cigarette adapter and can be used by tuning into a specific radio frequency. Once your radio is tuned to the same frequency, iPod sound will fill the air waves. Although this is definitely the easiest way to gain iPod in car sound, it also has its own set of flaws.

The sound quality of the fm tuner isn't the greatest, especially if you are traveling. The frequency of stations in the area can play havoc with your tuner.

Secondly, your iPod device is not charged during play time. This means you will have to charge your iPod separate from play time in your vehicle.

Step #2 - USB Adapter/Stereo Dock
When I was first in the market for an iPod car stereo solution there were no car decks that allowed for direct cable connections. The times have changed, and car stereo decks have evolved. Some of these decks allow for a device to be connected directly into the stereo deck using a USB cable. While some iPod car stereos actually feature a built in iPod dock or iPod cabling.

If you choose this type of connection method, it is worth checking to see if your iPod is charged in the playing process or if your iPod device functions on battery power alone.

Step #3 - Auxiliary Cable
When I purchased a new car I noticed that it was equipped with an auxiliary jack. This especially came in handy for my iPod. I simply plug my iPod into the auxiliary jack and music began playing throughout my vehicle. It may not have been the best iPod car stereo sound you can get, but it was much more reliable than using an fm tuner. This option also requires additional charging of your iPod.

Step #4 - Direct Interface
My favorite method of receiving iPod car stereo sound was direct interface by having a Pioneer interface system hooked up. The installation required me paying a service department to install this interface that stemmed from the stereo to the glove box without any external wires showing. I would simply hookup my iPod to the jack which I had installed in the glove box. The iPod was controlled through the car stereo, and the iPod would charge during play time. Yeah! The sound was the best I've heard, and I rarely found myself removing my iPod from my car.

Step #5 - Compare the Costs
Based on all the iPod in car options I've mentioned you need to decide which option suits you the best based on your budget.