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    <link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk</link>
    <language>uk</language>
    <description>Users helping other users to buy a car</description>
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<title>Lexus hybrid woos Sainsbury's chief</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/news/lexus-hybrid-woos-sainsbury-s-chief/5498</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-26 14:56:20</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>news-5498</guid>
<description><![CDATA[When Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King recently waved goodbye to his Maserati Quattroporte, he did so in favour of a relatively anonymous-looking limousine whose main claim to fame is fuel efficiency. ]]></description>
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<title>Mazda CX-9 Automatic 2008 (78/100)</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/mazda-cx-9/mazda-cx-9-automatic-2008/3248</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-13 20:30:14</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>cars-3248</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Last year, motivation for the Mazda CX-9 was provided by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6, good for 263 horsepower at a reasonably accessible 6,250 rpm, couple to a six-speed automatic. It moved the CX-9's 4,300 pounds well enough, especially once over 30 miles-per-hour, but didn't excite. For 2008, the 3.5 has been replaced by a 3.7-liter V6. Peak horsepower only increases by ten, to 273. But midrange power increases more substantially, as seen in a bump in peak torque from 249 pounds-feet at 4,500 to 270 at a more accessible 4,250. The result is most noticeable when first starting out from a dead stop, where the CX-9 feels more energetic than before. At higher speeds the difference is minor. 

Even with front-wheel-drive there is little evidence of torque steer. Still, if you want to put the power down in turns you'll want the all-wheel-drive. 

The Mazda CX-9 is more firmly sprung than most competitors. Especially with the Grand Touring's lower profile 20-inch tires, its ride is busier and includes sharper reactions than that of most competitors. It's still far from punishing, though, and some competitors (such as the Hyundai Veracruz) ride less smoothly. Noise levels from all sources are low, so the CX-9 should serve well as a highway car. 

Since ride quality is iffy, the handling must be spectacular, right? Well, not exactly. The Grand Touring doesn't feel significantly sportier than the other trims despite its low-profile treads, if my memory of the latter is accurate. The difference might be more noticeable in back-to-back test drives. But even with the 20s, I feel like I'm driving an exceptionally well-behaved minivan, with a moderate amount of lean in turns and good composure when said turns included a frost heave or two. It handles well, almost surprisingly well, when pushed, but doesn't ask to be driven this way. I suppose it is a family hauler, after all. 

Problem is, good behavior is not the same as fun to drive. "This is fun" never enters my mind, as much]]></description>
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<title>Nissan Maxima Manual 2008 (85/100)</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/nissan-maxima-vi/nissan-maxima-manual-2008/3246</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-13 20:16:53</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>cars-3246</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Repair: There have been no repairs on the car, and nothing has malfunctioned. 

Annoyances/Quibbles: 
During a trip I noticed a squeaking noise coming from the seat when I'd move around. Originally I thought the seat had come loose. This turned out to be the seatbelt fastener rubbing against the cushion (it has a very tight gap), which was quickly resolved by a quick nudge forward. 

Overall Impression after 5 months: 
In many cars, by this time the New car novelty wears off, but in my case, the more time I've spent behind the wheel of the Maxima, the more it has grown on me from what I considered to be my answer for 'basic transportation.' It's roomy, comfortable, handles well, is fun to drive, has plenty of power, the fuel efficiency of a compact, and it looks good to boot. ]]></description>
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<title>Bmw 3 Series Coupe Manual 2008 (88/100)</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/bmw-3-series-coupe-e92/bmw-3-series-coupe-manual-2008/3245</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-13 20:11:53</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>cars-3245</guid>
<description><![CDATA[In comparison to the other 5-series models, the 535i was, in my opinion, the best balance of price and performance. The now somewhat outdated 550i engine produces an extra 60 horsepower over the 535i's 300-hp engine, but the additional performance is really not very much increased over the 535. On the other end, however, there is a rather large jump in performance, the 528i's non-turbocharged 3.0 liter engine is much more sluggish and doesn't provide a driving experience near as thrilling as the 535i. The M5 is, of course, many orders of magnitude better to drive, but it is way too far out of my price range, and probably that of most other people.

The core of a BMW, of course, is the engine and transmission. For the 535i, the engine feels very smooth and very refined to drive (you can find all the specs somewhere else, like BMW's website, so I won't list them here). My car is equipped with the non-sport automatic transmission, which includes a manual shift mode. Unfortunately, when I first bought the car, the transmission downshifted to first gear too early whenever I slowed to a stoplight, causing a jump in revs and engine braking, making the car jerk as if I'd just hit the brakes. As the engine and transmission wore on through the break-in period, however, this seemed to fix itself and the transmission is now extremely smooth. There seems to be almost infinite power in 2-6 gears, but for some reason there isn't much power in first at low revs (when you're first pulling away from a stoplight). On the freeway, the potential for passing seems almost infinite, and the first 5.5 seconds going 0-60 while merging on the freeway are absolutely thrilling.

The handling is likewise spectacular, with loads of grip in turns at speeds under about 25-30 mph and absolute control in slides above that speed. This is, of course, assuming the traction control and other electronic handling controls are off - with these on it is just about impossible to get off track and slide.
]]></description>
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<title>Hyundai Elantra Automatic 2008 (81/100)</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/hyundai-elantra-iv/hyundai-elantra-automatic-2008/3242</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-13 20:02:23</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>cars-3242</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The interior is comfortable, featuring plenty of headroom. The dash is easy to use (good sized controls/clearly marked), and very attractive, especially at night with the blue lighting, which has a nice cooling effect on the eyes. XM radio is included, and the factory stereo is performs well, even for the discerning ear. There is a CD player with an MPEG slot. There is also a jack for an Ipod. The impressive thing about the interior is the storage for cups, sunglasses (above the rear view mirror, very cool), and other items that now can be easily stored. 

The ride is solid and smooth. Even between 70-80 MPH, the Elantra is quiet and tight, while the engine, in my opinion, runs pretty well when acceleration is needed. Though the Elantra is not a sports car or a performance vehicle that is designed to give the driver kicks, it proves to be a pleasant ride. This car is enjoyable to drive, as it handles decent, and is nimble and quick. The 16-inch wheels contribute to a better than expected driving experience, and the gas mileage is solid (34 highway, 25 city). 

The trunk is deep and spacious (I have the cargo net as well). There are buttons under the back interior lip of the trunk to enable the split back seats (60/40). This vehicle is well designed, and obviously a great value. My Elantra has cruise control as well. In fact, it is nicely equipped overall. 

There are trim moldings on the doors and wheel wells, which adds a nice finishing touch to this car. Therefore, I recommend it to those who are looking for great value, good gas mileage, and a surprising level of comfort and refinement.  ]]></description>
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<title>Audi TT Coupe Automatic 2008 (81/100)</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/audi-tt-coupe-ii/audi-tt-coupe-automatic-2008/3241</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-13 19:58:35</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>cars-3241</guid>
<description><![CDATA[An almost perfect combination of power, looks and finish. From the outside the best view is the rear quarter angle. It is sensuously curved and actually looks better without the spoiler being in its powered-up position. From the front it looks like an Audi with an Asian touch to the headlights. From the side, think of a small Porsche properly re-designed for the 21st century. Enter the cabin and there is more than enough headroom for my plus 6 feet. Surrounded by luxurious leather and elegant dash you slide in and find the first of only three physical faults with the car, namely you have to have a small derrier to fit within the highly boulstered seats. It's still very comfortable and supportive but confining. All controls are within easy reach, simple to operate and perfectly designed without being too small or the need for an engineering degree to operate. The second physical problem is the coffee holders. You wouldn't want to put your coffee cup or any other bottle in these holders as you probably couldn't reach them while driving and, even if you could, you would certainly knock your cup or bottle with your elbow. Right behind the cup holder is the third and final problem and that is the phone dock from the '80's. What a foolish waste of space. I took the voice-activated Bluetooth phone option and everyone should. Talking of options, I chose rear parktronic, 18" rims with run-flat tires, Bluetooth and an enhanced leather package. I didn't go for the very pricey navigation system (buy a Garmin Nuvi for a quarter of the price and you can move it from car to car). I also didn't buy the Bose audio system but settled for the standard radio with in-dash 6 CD changer, which produces excellent sound.
Now start the engine and a whole new world opens up. It has a rumble which says "sports car" and then turns into a snarl when you give it gas. The sound is wonderful and it's not just an aural sensation because the acceleration on the automatic 3.2 Quattro is very impressi]]></description>
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<title>2009 Ferrari California</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/news/2009-ferrari-california/4985</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-03 17:59:44</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>news-4985</guid>
<description><![CDATA[By David Yochum
Talk about a California special.
Ferrari has released the first official photographs of its sexy, V-8 powered Ferrari California grand tourer.Available exclusively as a folding hard top convertible, the California's chassis and bodywork are all-aluminum, and the car's front-mounted, 4.3-liter, 454-hp direct injection V-8 is coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. With more power than a Maserati Granturismo S, Ferrari says the California should sprint from 0 to 60 mph in le]]></description>
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<title>Dodge SRT-10 ACR</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/news/dodge-srt-10-acr/4982</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-03 17:54:26</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>news-4982</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Test date Wednesday, May 21, 2008  Price as tested  £49,000. The engine size increase to 8.4-litres and output is 600bhp. A track-focused version of the Dodge SRT-10 – still known as the Viper in the USA. Sadly the fire-breathing Yank is no longer officially sold in the UK, but now American punters get a larger 8.4-litre V10 engine with 600bhp, a beefed-up transmission and a more progressive GKN limited-slip diff.]]></description>
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<title>First Drive: 2008 Lotus Exige S 240</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/news/first-drive-2008-lotus-exige-s-240/4981</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-03 17:52:51</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>news-4981</guid>
<description><![CDATA[By Scott Mortara
Lotus has long been known as a pure enthusiast's car, but with its new 2008 Lotus Exige S 240, the company is showing it hasn't forgotten about taking these vehicles to the streets of your own neighborhood.

The Exige S 240 gets a power bump from 220 horses to 240, hence the name, and a torque increase from 165 pound-feet to 170. Along with this added oomph, Lotus upgraded the clutch plate cover to handle the extra twist, which is expected to be good for 0-to-60 in 4.0 seconds a]]></description>
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<title>Mitsubishi Evo FQ-360 GSR</title>
<link>http://www.ebuga.co.uk/news/mitsubishi-evo-fq-360-gsr/4978</link>
<pubDate>2008-06-03 17:35:55</pubDate>
<category>User actions</category>
<guid>news-4978</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Test date Thursday, May 22, 2008  Price as tested  £38,349. No engine modifications mean service intervals at 10,000 miles. The full-fat 354bhp version of the Evo X, only available with a conventional five-speed manual gearbox. Sadly the SST dual clutch transmission offered in the basic FQ-300 Evo isn't up to handling the torque of the upgraded motor - although a beefed-up version of the semi-auto gearbox may well follow.]]></description>
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