Roof racks, open windows, and junk-in-the-trunk all seem to contribute to poorer gas mileage. Using the A/C gulps gas. Keep the engine well-tuned and the oil changed. However, in most cases driving habits have the biggest influence on mpg. You can try it for yourself by keeping mpg records for with [and without] physical modifications; also by driving in your normal style as opposed to driving with forethought and care (no jackrabbiting, cruise the lights to go through on green, keep your speed between 45 and 55, etc.) Due to an old injury, I must drive an automatic shift, and have done so for the past 40 years. I consistently exceed the vehicle's expected/posted mpg for both city and highway driving, regardless of the vehicle. The one exception occurred on a vacation trip with 2 adults, 2 teenagers (can you imagine how much luggage teenaged girls require for 2 weeks?!!), in the northeastern mountains during a heat wave [meaning the A/C was constantly running]. A fully-loaded vehicle, A/C, and those mountain roads combined to cut my average mpg by almost 25%.

not having a trade you in a very desirable position. I HATE buying cars and all the bs that goes along with it. You really should try to use Edmunds to find your desired car then use the internet to try to get the car for that price. Once they agree to the price, just go drive it. If you like it they just have to write it up. Alternatively you can find the car at the price you want over the net. Pop into the dealership to drive it...don't tell them you've been in contact on the net. If you like it, go home ask them to write every thing up. You may need to email some info back and forth if you want a loan. Then just go in, sign the papers, pay and drive off---should be pretty quick if all the paperwork is much done. I do not know what you are looking for but 2010 Corolla LEs are selling under $300 invoice and had a $750 rebate last month. I am not sure what the rebate will for for Feb. We are talking out the door for about $16.7K or less. That seams like a great deal and I took advantage of it this week. If not pickly about colors, send for some quotes from local dealers. Then on or around Feb 25 say you want to purchase on 2/28 and tell them to send there drop dead best price. It should be pretty painless. Good luck. PS As far as Enterprise, I'd be weary. A low milegae car reccomended by consumer reports I might take a chance on...a car with a bed rep from Enterprise...forget it.

It's here! It's black, and I'd rather the verdigris; I wonder if I can paint it? Here is the naked pic: Okay, so I got started on the wine. First things first! Here's how it looks now: On the middle shelf, the two plates in the middle are going to get easels to stand up on. The bowl on the bottom was made by a neighbor for our wedding. Yeah, I know, ditch the packet of towels hanging from the hook. I think I have some pretty mugs to hang there....if not, MacKenzie Childs mugs come up from time to time on the local market. But I think I will see what else I have. I think it needs a bit more...something. Those scallops near the top are stem glass holders. I guess I could hang my footed sundae glasses there, but what else can I do with it? I don't want to hang wine glasses. On the bottom shelf, I'd like to put the yellow casserole, but it's so heavy it would bend the bars. Maybe a glass shelf? I tried my French linen covered boxes, but the color was just wrong, too greige and earthy. But when I take down the wallpaper and paint, maybe. what can I do on the top shelf? A rooster?

Sheesh!! Read the damn guarantee details: Stark Brothers: "If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, let us know within a year of delivery and we will send you a free one-time replacement or refund your full purchase price." And even more limiting, Fedco: "Occasionally, plants incur damage during shipping. If limbs or tops are broken, prune to the next good bud. The plant will do fine. We guarantee to ship you a plant that is healthy, will leaf out, and is true to name. We expect that you will care for the plant from the moment it arrives, plant it in a timely fashion, water it (about 1" per week after bud swell) and protect it. Because we have no control over growing conditions such as weather, SOIL, cultural practices, pests, wildlife, or weed whackers, we cannot guarantee a plant’s survival past leaf break. If you see no sign of life, scratch the outer bark with your fingernail. If the inner bark is green, the tree is still alive. Some plants take longer than others to break dormancy, so you may need to be patient. If you have thoroughly cared for the plant and it dies, we will refund the cost of the plant. In some cases, we may choose to issue a partial refund. We cannot offer replacements. Inevitably, some plants die through no fault of yours or ours. If a plant dies during the first growing season, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will work with you to determine what went wrong. We are partners in the endeavor of filling the planet with plants and we want you to succeed. Claims must be made no later than July 31st of the year the plant was received." None of these have a guarantee policy that extends beyond the first year. And issues with amended planting holes do not necessarily - in fact, seldom - show up in the first growing season. It takes time - several years - for a tree to establish and develop a proper root system and any encumbrances to this development - like a heavily amended planting hole - will also not become apparent immediately. Except perhaps with root rots from an amended clay planting hole. Those can be quite rapid to manifest. But not at all the vendor or nursery's responsibility.