Tag Archives: used

News

Mahindra’s New Electric Three-Wheeler: A Practical and Efficient Urban Vehicle

In countries like India, three-wheelers are widely used as urban mobility vehicles by both private citizens and ride-sharing services. They offer a practical and affordable way of transporting goods and people, combining the mechanical simplicity of a motorcycle with the hauling capabilities of a small car. It’s no surprise that they have remained popular in the region.

To modernize the three-wheeler scene in India, Mahindra, one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the country, has launched the new e-Alfa Super through its subsidiary Mahindra Last Mile Mobility. This electric utility vehicle is being described as a “super rickshaw.” Traditionally, rickshaws are defined as two- or three-wheeled covered carriages pulled by people. However, modern-day rickshaws are propelled by engines or electric motors, like the new Mahindra e-Alfa Super.

According to Mahindra, the e-Alfa Super offers a higher range and best-in-class safety and comfort features. It is built tougher and more durable than the standard e-Alfa, of which Mahindra has already sold over 50,000 units. This upgraded version is designed to withstand rough daily usage, making it suitable for various cargo-hauling or people-moving needs.

In terms of performance, the Mahindra e-Alfa Super relies on barebones technology that prioritizes reliability and simplicity. It is equipped with a basic 140-ampere-hour lead-acid battery pack and an electric motor that produces 1.64 kilowatts (approximately 2.2 horsepower) and 22 Newton-meters (15.4 pound-feet) of torque. The e-rickshaw can travel up to 95 kilometers (59 miles) on a single charge.

To facilitate charging, the three-wheeler comes with an 18-amp charger backed by a 12-month warranty. Mahindra has also established over 10,000 charging stations across India in partnership with various charging providers. Additionally, the e-Alfa Super is covered by a one-year warranty, and the battery comes with an impressive 18-month warranty. The brand ensures easy accessibility to service and repair through its extensive network of more than 1,150 service centers across India.

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility CEO Susan Mishra emphasized that the e-Alfa Super offers superior range and earning potential in a world where clean mobility is increasingly in demand. This allows driver partners to increase their incomes while reducing environmental impact, all with the trust and reliability associated with the Mahindra brand.

Motorsport

Study: Used Car Prices Have Increased by Nearly 50% Since 2019

The prices of used cars have seen a significant increase in recent years. On average, prices have gone up by 47.7% since 2019. Additionally, the mileage on these vehicles has also increased by 46% compared to four years ago. This poses a challenge for buyers looking for affordable used cars, as they may need to spend more money on older vehicles with higher mileage.

These findings come from a recent study conducted by iSeeCars, a popular website that offers data and guidance for purchasing used vehicles. The study revealed that popular car models such as the Honda Civic and Toyota RAV4 are now 41% to 46% more expensive than they were in 2019. Full-size trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500 have seen price increases ranging from 30% to 50% during the same period. In terms of actual prices, the average used car price has risen from $23,351 to $34,491 in four years.

Not only have prices gone up, but the average mileage on used cars has also increased by 45.7%. In 2019, the average mileage was 43,541 miles, which has now risen to 63,457 miles. Full-size trucks experienced an even higher increase in mileage, with an average of 49% to 53% more miles. The Honda Civic and Toyota RAV4 saw mileage increases of 81% and 139.6%, respectively.

The study by iSeeCars analyzed over 10.8 million used vehicles aged one to five years. Apart from the price and mileage increases, the study indicated that finding a $20,000 car with less than 44,000 miles is becoming increasingly difficult. In 2019, 20% of the used car market met these criteria, but that percentage has now dropped to 11%, with the average vehicle having over 63,000 miles.

However, there is some good news as well. Another study by iSeeCars found that used car prices have actually decreased this year. Overall prices dropped by 4.7% from September 2022 to March 2023 and 8.7% compared to the previous year. Notable models with the largest price declines include the Tesla Model 3, as well as SUVs from Nissan, Infiniti, and Land Rover, all of which saw prices drop by around 20%.

News, Science

How NASA’s Sky-High Tech Helps Wine Makers Look For Grape Disease

Scientists are using NASA’s AVIRIS-NG instrument to detect signs of GLRaV-3, a grapevine disease. AVIRIS-NG is typically used for ecological research, such as studying wildfires and air pollution. However, in this case, it was used to observe how grape plants interact with sunlight. By analyzing the composition of light absorbed by the plants, researchers were able to identify infected plants with up to 87% accuracy even before they exhibited symptoms. The study, published in the journal “Phytopathology,” utilized machine learning and data from 11,000 acres of vineyards. This technology has the potential to assist grape farmers and could be extended to monitor crop diseases globally.

Technology

This WD-40 Hack Will Help Your Lawn Mower Last Longer

If you’ve noticed that your lawn mower isn’t cutting grass as effectively as before, it may be time to clean or replace the blades. For this task, WD-40 comes in handy. Simply spray a bit of WD-40 on the blades to prevent grass from sticking to them in the future. Not only that, but it also helps prevent rust, making the blades last longer before needing another cleaning or replacement. This hack saves you time and effort on future maintenance.

However, blades are not the only part of your mower that requires attention. Remember to take care of the rest of it too. It is recommended to change the oil every season, and while doing so, you can spray a bit of WD-40 around the oil cap. This prevents rust and makes it easier to turn the cap. The same trick can be applied when replacing the air filter. WD-40 prevents dust from accumulating, resulting in better and longer-lasting performance for your mower.

Don’t forget about your spark plugs, as they are also important. By using WD-40 in the area around the spark plugs, future maintenance becomes easier, just like with oil changes. Avoid dealing with rusted or hard-to-turn parts by taking a moment to apply a quick spray of WD-40. Plus, having a can of WD-40 at home comes in handy for other maintenance tasks, but remember not to use it on everything, as explained in this source.

Technology

9 Of The Oldest Military Helicopters Still In Service Today

The Sikorsky H-34 is one of the oldest military helicopters that is still in service today. It was first introduced in 1954 as an anti-submarine helicopter, but it was also used for cargo transport and troop transportation. Initially developed for the U.S. Navy, it eventually made its way to 25 other countries for use in both military and civilian capacities. Production of the H-34 ceased in 1970, with a total of 1,800 to 2,100 units manufactured, including various subvariants and versions known as the CH-34.

The H-34 played a significant role during its time. It was primarily utilized by the U.S. during the Vietnam War. Afterward, it found homes in countries such as France, South Vietnam, Israel, and others. One notable mission involved attempting to retrieve NASA’s Liberty Bell 7 from the Atlantic Ocean, although it ultimately failed due to the spacecraft being filled with seawater.

Throughout the 1960s, the H-34 underwent numerous modifications by Sikorsky for various purposes. As a result, it is challenging to find original versions of the helicopter. Most examples on display in museums or used in civilian operations are likely the modified variants. However, the Palm Springs Air Museum regularly operates an original Sikorsky H-34.

NewsNew

DEALING WITH ROCKS AND ROOTS: MR. KNOW-IT-ALL

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,
I purchased a used YZ250 after riding an ’04 XR250, and I primarily ride off-road. The area where I ride has lots of rocks and roots, and while my old XR was slow, it was extremely smooth on the trail. However, the YZ has a strong engine but the suspension feels off, as it doesn’t seem to handle the rocks well. I would appreciate any advice you can offer. I understand that the YZ is a motocross bike, but it’s really rough on me!
– Todd
via [email protected]

Todd, I want to inform you, without any harsh criticism, that the most important aspect to consider when riding in rocky terrain is the suspension. Serious riders in Colorado typically have their bikes set up with lighter springs and valve adjustments. If you’re using stock motocross suspension, riding on rocks, stones, roots, and harsh terrain will result in a rough ride. You can try adjusting the compression settings in the fork and shock to make them softer. Additionally, using softer springs would likely be beneficial. However, my wise suggestion is to consult with a professional suspension tuner who is knowledgeable about your riding area and the varying terrain conditions. They will take into account your height, weight, and riding ability to customize the suspension settings for optimal performance on the specific landscape.
One more thing to consider is the impact of tires and air pressure on the feel and traction of your bike. In Colorado, riders commonly use rear tires with a sticky compound and a foam insert for extra cushioning. They also either use a Tubliss front system, which allows for lower air pressure without the risk of pinch-flats, or a plush front bib mousse for added comfort and traction.

If you don’t mind showcasing your lack of knowledge to the world, we won’t deny you the opportunity. Send evidence of your failures to [email protected] or Mr. Know-It-All
Dirt Bike P.O. Box 957
Valencia, CA 91380-9057

Click Here for more Mr. Know-It-All.

News

New Audi Q6 E-tron to Feature Innovative ‘Dynamic’ Tail Lights

Audi has announced that its upcoming Q6 E-tron will be equipped with cutting-edge lighting technology that will introduce two world-first features for production models. These advanced lights have the ability to display specific warning signs to other drivers and offer personalized lighting signatures for individual drivers.

The Q6 E-tron SUV will come with digital daytime-running lights featuring 61 individual segments, a significant upgrade from the 10 segments found in the smaller Q4 E-tron. The third-generation OLED tail-lights will consist of 60 segments per OLED tile, a tenfold increase from the Audi A8. This combination will enable the Q6 E-tron to offer up to eight different lighting signatures.

What sets the tail-lights apart is the Dynamic Active Light function, a world-first feature introduced by Audi. This feature allows the lighting graphic within each of the OLEDs in the lower part of the lights to change without affecting the overall brightness of the lights.

This feature is crucial for the Q6 E-tron to comply with international road safety standards. It also introduces the Car-to-X functionality with the ‘Communication Light.’ When combined with the hazard lights, the Communication Light displays a red triangular warning symbol to alert other drivers of any obstructions that the car itself or Audi’s cloud-based road monitoring system detects.

Furthermore, Audi has incorporated the letter A into the Communication Light to indicate when the Q6 E-tron’s Intelligent Parking Assistant is engaged during an automated reverse parking maneuver.

Audi plans to expand this system further by including more symbols, including dynamic symbols that flash or strobe for additional effect. Werner Thomas, Audi’s lighting project manager, stated that they are already in discussions with regulatory authorities to implement these advanced symbols.

News

Used car advert tool tackles online sales fraud

A new tool has been developed to combat the growing problem of online car sales scams by helping buyers identify suspiciously low-priced adverts. Brego Advert Check is a free online tool that allows users to compare the advertised price of a used vehicle with its estimated dealer price and auction value. If the price seems too good to be true, buyers are advised to exercise caution and visit the dealer in person before proceeding with the purchase. The tool was created in response to a rising number of scams where buyers are tricked into paying a deposit or full payment for a non-existent car that has been intentionally underpriced. These fraudulent sellers are typically unwilling to accept credit card payments, leaving buyers empty-handed.

The co-founder of Brego, Simon Hunt, was motivated to develop the tool after seeing numerous reports of people falling victim to these scams. Hunt noted that the sophistication of the fraudsters indicated that their tactics were proving successful, and he felt compelled to take action. The Advert Check tool was designed within a few days, allowing buyers to input the registration number, mileage, and price of the vehicle they are interested in. They can also provide the website address of the seller, although this is optional. By comparing the selling price to Brego’s dealer price and auction value data, the tool determines the extent of the price discrepancy and informs the buyer accordingly.

Motorsport

See Lego Chevy 454 V8 Engine And Transmission Run Using 8-Bit Computer

# See Lego Chevy 454 V8 Engine And Transmission Run Using 8-Bit Computer

Legos are not just for building simple structures. Some people take it to the next level by constructing life-size, realistic objects with intricate movements. One such example is the Chevy 454 V8 engine and transmission built entirely out of Legos.

This impressive creation was made by Evan Koblentz, who used Expert Builder series Lego parts from the 1970s and 1980s. The engine consists of several thousand pieces and is nearly life-sized, measuring four feet long and weighing about 40 pounds. Koblentz spent a significant amount of time building it during the pandemic. He chose the Chevy 454 because it was a popular engine found in cars like the Corvette or Chevelle SS during that period.

What sets this Lego model apart is its precision movement. The engine features a working crankshaft, valves, rocker arms, camshaft, and pistons. It even includes lights that simulate sparkplug ignition, controlled by an 8-bit Lazer 128 computer from the 1980s running programs in BASIC.

In 2022, Koblentz showcased his engine at Brickworld Chicago, one of the largest Lego conventions in the US. Although it was nominated for an award in the Best Mechanical category, it did not win. Undeterred, Koblentz added a working four-speed transmission to his creation, complete with reverse, clutch, and shifter. He returned to Brickworld Chicago in 2023 and, this time, took home the win for the Best Mechanical category.

The Chevy 454 engine was introduced in 1970 as a replacement for the 427 V8. It was used in various Chevrolet models such as the Corvette, Chevelle SS, Caprice, El Camino, and Monte Carlo. However, due to increasing fuel economy and emissions regulations, it was phased out at the end of the 1975 model year. It made a brief return in the 1980s and 1990s and found its place in General Motors trucks, including the Chevy SS 454 muscle truck.

Featured

Custom 1994 Land Rover Defender BIGS D110 Crew Cab For Sale

The Land Rover Defender, once a workhorse, has become a sought-after SUV among 4×4 enthusiasts. Rover Trophy specializes in maintaining and preserving the Defender’s legacy through customized builds. They are currently offering a unique opportunity to purchase a project from their inventory – the 1994 Land Rover Defender BIGS D110.

This particular build stands out as the rarest and largest among Rover Trophy’s creations. It features an additional pickup bed alongside the spacious full-size cabin. The exterior is finished in a stealthy grey paint color, with gloss black upgrades like widened fenders, a front winch, exterior roll cage, LED light rack, side steps, and a storage platform. It also boasts a new high-performance DME suspension system, 16-inch Mach 5 wheels, and 37-inch Maxxis Trepador off-road tires for excellent ground clearance.

Inside the cabin, the Land Rover Defender BIGS D110 offers a blend of style and comfort. The custom hand-sewn Hornback leather interior is complemented by a new AC system from Ministry of Defender, ensuring cool summer drives along the beach. Modern entertainment and technology features include a Kenwood entertainment center with Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker surround sound, kicker subwoofers, and a reverse camera.

Under the hood, this Defender is equipped with a GM Performance 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine delivering 430 horsepower. A sophisticated 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission manages the power, which is applied to the Defender’s 4×4 system. Heavy-duty drivetrain components are installed for enhanced durability and safety.

The 1994 Land Rover Defender BIGS D110 Crew Cab is currently available for sale through Rover Trophy via duPont REGISTRY. Check out the link for more details and pricing.

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