New GMC SUV

New GMC SUV

Changing the oil in your car, truck or sports utility vehicle is a very important and necessary piece of routine maintenance that can help to ensure that your vehicle leads a long and happy life. Regularly changing the oil in your vehicle also helps to increase gas mileage, prevent unnecessary wear and tear and essential parts, and it prevents much more costly repairs down the road. Although it may seem like a mundane and rather easy task to some, to others with little or no automotive experience, changing the oil in their vehicle can seem like a daunting and difficult task.

Paying upwards of $25 dollars at some auto shops is unnecessary if you take the time to learn how to change your own oil, often times costing only $11-$15. In this article I will specifically detail how to change the oil in your 2000 GMC Jimmy Envoy.

The first step in changing your oil is purchasing new oil and an oil filter. Although some people select their oil based on the time of year and annual temperatures, the recommended oil to use in the 2000 GMC Jimmy is 5W30. The brand doesn't matter, although some oil is designed for higher mileage engines. If you are unsure about which brand is best ask a sales clerk at the auto parts store for a recommendation. While at the auto parts store you will also need to purchase a new oil filter. Because the oil filters vary by manufacturer, year and model of vehicle it will be necessary too look up which specific oil filter you will need to purchase. In the oil section there is a book with listings for all of the different types of oil filters. These are sorted by the make of your car, and it's year. If you cannot locate your specific filter or are unsure a store employee should be able to help you.

For a 2000 GMC Jimmy you will need to purchase 5 quarts of oil. Check in your owners manual for the specific amount of oil you will need to put in your vehicle, it varies for the 4-cylinder model and the 6-cylinder model.

Once you have your oil and filter you will need to head home and give your vehicle between two and three hours to cool down so that you do not burn yourself when changing the oil. Once your vehicle has cooled off begin by opening the hood of your GMC Jimmy. The hood release lever is located on the driver's side, just believe the steering wheel, next to the door.

After you have the hood open, locate your oil cap and remove it to release any pressure in the system. For the next part you will need a flat head screw driver, a socket wrench and set of sockets, and an oil pan or something to store the used oil in.

Begin by sliding the oil pan underneath the truck and back. Because your GMC Jimmy has higher suspension there should be no need to lift the suv up on jack stands. Lay on your back and slide underneath until you are about midway underneath. Locate the oil pan, and the oil pan plug. The plug will look like a small bolt head. Position the oil pan underneath the plug. Next, taking your socket wrench and, using the appropriately sized socket, loosen the oil plug and remove it. At this point you may get a little dirty because the old, used oil will come out.

After the old oil has finished draining put the plug back in, but only tighten it down hand tight. Next move forward under the vehicle until you are just below the front bumper. There will be a small black door at a horizontal angle with a screw holding it in place. Taking your flat head screw driver twist it until the door swings open.

Now you have access to the old oil filter. To remove the oil filter reach in and twist it counter clock wise. If the oil filter will not move with your hand try using a piece of light grit sandpaper for extra grip. You may need to purchase an oil filter wrench.

After removing the old oil filter take the new filter from its box, ensure that the black rubber gasket is in place at the end of it and rub a small amount of the old oil around the gasket. This helps to ensure that the new gasket will seal to the car. After tightening down the oil filter close the door.

Slide back under the truck and tight down the oil plug all the way. Make sure that it is tightened down to prevent any leakage of the new oil. Slide out from underneath the truck and get your new oil ready. Remember the oil cap you unscrewed earlier? Taking your new oil, add the correct amount, roughly 4 and ¾ quarts, until you reach the manufacturers recommended amount. Replace the oil cap and tighten it down as well.

Start your car and allow it to run for 10 minutes to allow the new oil to circulate through the system. After 10 minutes is up, shut your car off and using an old rag, pull out the oil dipstick (located just below and next to the oil cap) and wipe the oil off it. Slide it back in it's respective hole and then pull it back out. If the oil on the dipstick is within the "xxx" then you have the right amount of oil in the car. If you have too little, add the oil and repeat running the truck and checking it until you have the right amount.

Congratulations! You have just changed your own oil!

New Chrysler SUV

New Chrysler SUV

Over the years, Chrysler has come up with some pretty nice vehicles. The 2005 Chrysler Pacifica is no exception. From its wide, well-balanced exterior, to it's large, upscale interior, this car is pure art. From the very first Chrysler New Yorker, to the ultra slick Chrysler 300, you can tell by the artisan-ship that Chrysler was in the car game to win the appeal across the board.

The first thing you may notice when looking at this vehicle is its exterior. It is slightly smaller than an SUV, but comfortably larger than a 4-passenger car. It is considered to be a mid-size crossover SUV. While the description of the vehicle changes with whom you ask, the style is unmistakably classy. Most cars come equipped with 17-inch tires, but tire size can change, depending on the style of Pacifica you choose to buy. With three different options, Base, Touring, Limited, and the ultra limited Signature Series, Chrysler designed Pacificas to fit a wide group of customer's tastes.

With a 23-gallon tank, the Pacifica boasts an impressive 325 miles per tank. In the city it averages right around 15 mpg. The highway is around 21 mpg. If you were to use today's gas costs at $2.70 per gallon, it is approximately $62.00 per tank of gas, assuming that you filled it up on while on empty. Stop and go traffic drains a car gas, so the true estimate really depends on your daily driving habits. It has a 210 HP V6 engine ready to attack the road at full speed ahead. It has all wheel drive, 4 anti-lock disc brakes, and handles very well on the road.

The interior, when you first look inside, seems very small. It can hold up to 6 passengers, however it looks like it would fit a lot less. When you open the trunk area you will notice the trunk area is very small, that is, until you let down the rear seats. When you recline the rear seats, you have storage capacity from the rear of the vehicle to right behind the front seats, which is very impressive. The interior has a wood grain type dashboard with everything digital. It tells you how many more miles you can travel on the tank of gas that you have, you have dual control over heating and cooling the entire vehicle, CD player, and in some you may even have a navigation system.

The cost for one of these magnificent vehicles can range anywhere from 16,000 used to 35,000 brand new, depending on the age of the car and the style you have. As with many vehicles, there are a large amount of options one can choose from when purchasing the Pacifica. From sunroofs to navigation systems, you will find just about anything you can dream up. There is a programmable garage door opener in the car along with front seats that adjust to any angle to maximum comfort.

Some of the more noted safety features would be the child safety seat anchors, the dual airbags, seat belt tensioner and 3 pint seat belt, which cover both the chest and the waist for maximum safety.

This car is a must have for families or for those who just want a little bit more room without the size of a full size SUV. It is attractive for men and women and well worth the cost!

New Dodge SUV

New Dodge SUV

If ever there was a car to define the downfall of Chrysler as a purely American automaker then the Dodge Caliber would be it. In concept, you could see how it would make sense. Take the chunky stance of an SUV and mix it with the fuel efficiency of a Euro-styled hatchback.

But what was released upon the American buying public was nothing less than a shoddily built and hideously styled monster that scared passing schoolchildren. There has not been an uglier or more poorly designed car since the AMC Gremlin. I would say the Pacer but at least that car had the clever passenger door that was bigger than the driver's to aid entry and exit into the back seat.

This isn't even taking into account how the Caliber drives. There are tractors that are quieter and handle with more aplomb. This vehicle is an embarrassment to every American and the fact that it is still for sale means the new Car Czar hasn't enacted any sort of new standards and practices for what constitutes a vehicle being fit for sale on U.S. roads.

If I was offered one (again) as a rental I would turn it down on reasons of retinal safety because merely gazing upon it makes me want to gouge my eyes out with melon ballers. The interior is a horror chamber of rattles and plastic edges so sharp you are sure that if you touch them you will lose a fingertip. Who is the person who sat at the end of production and gave the thumbs up to the quality of each and every Caliber as it drove past? This person should be shot for being a traitor.

This is the kind of American made hatchback that gives American economy cars a bad name. It does, however, make the Chevy Cobalt and Ford Focus look like the winners that they aren't. Fiat needs to get this rolling eyesore off of Chrysler dealer lots as soon as it can. I don't care if they are forced to ship Chrysler dealers 14 year old used Fiat Puntos to sell. As they said in Revolutionary era France, "off with its head!"

(Note: This article is meant as opinion only and is not meant to be in any way derogatory to anyone who has purchased or plans to purchase a Dodge Caliber. Although I would never recommend buying such a subpar automobile, this article is meant solely as a criticism of Chrysler Corporation under the leadership of the Cerebrus Group.)

New Mitsubishi SUV

New Mitsubishi SUV

There are quite a few car dealerships waiting to sell you that perfect new or used vehicle in Bloomington, Minnesota. Car dealers abound in Bloomington that are filled with salesman who are knowledgeable, courteous and waiting to help you purchase the right vehicle for you, whether it be a car, van, truck, SUV. The following is a list of 20 Car Dealerships that are located in Bloomington, Minnesota:

1. American Ford- Ford Authorized sales and service- is located at 4801 West 80th Street. They can be reached by calling 952-831-7000. You can check out their website at www.americanford.com

2. Freeway Ford Sales and Leasing is at 9700 Lyndale Avenue South and their phone number is 952-888-9481

3. Harold Chevrolet is at 1601 Southtown Drive with a phone number of 952-884-2341 and also has a dealership at 8099 Penn Avenue South that can be reached at 952-884-3333

4. Jim Lupient’s Harold Chevrolet’s address is 1601 Southtown Drive and you can call them at 952-881-6299

5. Bloomington Chrysler Jeep- An Authorized Dealer for Jeep Sales and Service of Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and Wrangler- is at 8000 Penn Avenue South and their phone number is 952-888-9541.

6. Motorworks Mazda is at 1001 clover Drive and can be called at 952-888-2271

7. Metro Mitsubishi is located at 8099 Penn Avenue South and can be reached at 952-881-7800

8. Motor Werks BMW is at 1400 79th Street and their phone number is 952-888-2700

9. Northstar Auto is at 1031 West 80th Street and can be reached at 952-888-8388

10. Kia of Bloomington is located at 8033 Knox Avenue and the phone number there is 952-888-9100

11. Luther Infiniti of Bloomington is at 8030 Humboldt Avenue and can be reached at 952-888-5555

12. Quality Lincoln Mercury is at 1001 Clover Drive South and you can contact them at 952-703-8700

13. Southtown Freeway Toyota, Inc. is at 1750 West 80th Street and can be reached at 952-888-5581
14. Southtown Suzuki has an Authorized Sales and Service Dealership at 8000 Knoz Avenue South and they can be contacted by calling 952-948-9600

15. Walser Bloomington Dodge is at 8011 Penn Avenue South and can be called at 952-888-8891 or 952-888-8149

16 Walser Pontiac And GMC Truck, Inc is located at 4601 West 80th Street and the phone number there is 952-888-9800

17.Walser Quality Lincoln Mercury Mazda is on Lyndale Avenue right at Hwy 494 and can be reached at 952-888-2271

18. Kassick Motors is at 1000 West 94th Street. For more information call 952-884-9555 or check out their website at www.kassickmotors.com

19. Plaid Free Automotive Group is at 7800 Metro Parkway and can be reached at 952-853-0830

20. Bloomington Auto Sales is at 9301 Lyndale Avenue South and their phone number is 952-948-5000


The key to purchasing a new or used vehicle is tall about shopping around for the best deal- terms and price. So, make to check out a few of these Car Dealers located in Bloomington and tell ‘em that Associated Content sent you. (You probably won’t get any special treatment or anything- but it couldn’t hurt, right?)

New Mazda SUV

New Mazda SUV

When it comes to finding the best SUV or mini-van for your large family, the task can be difficult. You want to get the best deal for your money, while finding a car that will save you money in the long run. There are many SUV's out there that may seem like the perfect car for a larger family, but they mostly turn out to be gas guzzlers in the end.

With all of the new 2009 SUV and mini-vans coming out, it is hard to find one that will meet all of your needs family-wise and at the pump. One SUV that stands out above the rest is the Aura MDX 2009 model. This SUV is ideal for big families and features all sorts of new items that are not standard in most SUV's and mini-vans. For instance, the Aura MDX features standard 18-inch wheels, 3.7-liter V-6 which turns out 300 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet of torque, making this engine Acura's most powerful, dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for front seats and just an all around smooth ride.

The Aura MDX is priced slightly higher at $40,790 starting rate and if you are in the market for a slightly more reasonably priced SUV, the 2009 Ford Taurus X starting at $27.575, the 2009 Honda Odyssey starting at $26,255 or the 2009 Mazda CX-9 starting at $29.820 would probably all be better options for you. The 2009 Ford Taurus X SUV features cargo versatility, seats up to seven passengers comfortably and has a wagon body style, the drive is smooth and there is 85.5 cubic feet with both rows of seats folded.

The 2009 Honda Odyssey mini-van is very roomy and easy to drive; its gas mileage is comparable to any standard mini-van with 25 highway and up to 17 city and it does not have that 'mini-van feel' that every person is trying to get away from. Finally, the 2009 Mazda CX-9 offers all the bells and whistles that the 2009 Ford Taurus X and the 2009 Honda Odyssey offer yet it is sleeker and car-like in its responses.

As you can see there are many different options for you when you are looking for a mini-van or SUV for your larger family. A couple other note-worthy SUV's are the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. Both of these SUV's are extremely worth the money (each costing under $30,000) and will save you some cash at the pump. They both feature four-wheel drive, seat up to seven people comfortably and are ranked extremely high on the national safety test. While the Honda Pilot is a bit smaller than the Toyota Highlander, it still retains the power of a larger SUV for it is able to tow up to 4,000 pounds.

New Toyota SUV

New Toyota SUV

Since its initial production in 1985, the Toyota 4Runner has always been an excellent off-road machine, as well as a capable and versatile highway hauler. Although the 4Runner traditionally comes with a long list of excellent features, we have harbored a few pet peeves with the vehicle. The interior, while adequate,has always felt somewhat cramped with uncomfortable seating. In addition,previous powerplants have been somewhat anemic, and it often seemed that Toyota put to much emphasis on off-road appeal other then on-road pleasure.However,for the 03' 4Runner, everything has changed. First off, this fourth-generation 4Runner is larger then it's predecessors, especially in the interior where it counts. It has 4-1/2 incs in additional length and wheelbase, and more then 3 inches of additional width. Inside, the new 4Runners has 2 inches of additional front legroom, 1-1/2 inches more rear legroom, slightly more headroom, a pleasing 4-1/2 inches of extra shoulder room, and 5-1/2 inches of additional hip room in the front.

Performance is also vastly improved in this model, since a V-8 powerplant is now an option on the 4Runner. An all-new 4.0L V-6, which delivers 245hp and 283 lb-ft of torque, is the standard engine. The 4.7L V-8 is the same engine found in the current land cruiser and Sequoia. All4WD 4Runners are equipped with with a two speed transfer case and a Multi-Mode shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with a Torsen sensing-type limited-slip center differential. Additional features of the new 4Runner include a sport enhancement suspension system on the Sports Edition, a Downhill Assist Control system, a Hill-start. Assist Control system (for greater uphill versatility), anti-lock disc brakes at all four corners, and an all-new body-on-ladder frame chassis design.

I had a chance to test drive the Toyota 4Runner, both on- and off- road and can honestly report that this 03' model is extensively upgraded from earlier models. This 4Runner is definitely all new and is as pleasing to drive on the highway as it is off-road and I would personally recommend it to anybody who needs all the features of an SUV that is also more then capable of turning down that muddy trail you've seen driving around with you friends on a nice summer day. Maybe your children are in sports and a car is no longer a feasible option to haul all the sweaty sports equipment from place to place every weekend, If this sounds like you this would be the vehicle I recommend.