According to Yahoo Autos, some of the cars with the worst fuel economy include the Lamborghini Murcielago, the BMW M6, and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.  With miles per gallon rates that are sometimes in the single digits, it can be expensive to own and operate these exotic vehicles.

In addition to paying for gas for their cars, exotic car owners need to track down a secure car storage facility, get a great deal on insurance, and find a qualified mechanic.  For some, the hassle of owning an exotic vehicle is just too much.

That’s where exotic car sharing clubs come in.   These clubs offer a way for exotic car enthusiasts to drive the cars of their dreams without all the worries and expense that go along with owning a luxury or exotic vehicle.

Since car club members aren’t driving these cars for their regular commute, exotic car sharing clubs offer a great way to save gas and be green.  Car clubs and exotic car rental are a way to make driving exotic cars practical.

Some SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover and Infiniti QX56 are seeing an increase in sales from this time last year.  Both vehicles have gas mileage rates in the mid-teens, but slightly lower gas prices have helped to boost sales.

For exotic carmakers like Lamborghini, the road to recovery may be a little longer.  After a record year in 2007 and impressive sales figures for 2008, the Italian exotic carmaker will be lucky to get simply decent sales statistics for 2009.

Gas prices are expected to remain low as the U.S. pulls out of a recession, and low gas prices mean less focus on fuel economy.  Interestingly, many experts predict that gas prices will return to previous highs after the economy recovers.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living near the Twin Cities

Why not use your father’s hobbies as a clue?  Is he an exotic car enthusiast?  Does he dream of driving a Lamborghini?  If so, exotic car rental might be the perfect Father’s Day gift.

A good Father’s Day gift helps you show your father how much you love him and appreciate him as a parent.  One of the best ways to do that is to show him that you listen to him and know him well.  If your dad spends a lot of time talking about exotic vehicles, your best choice could be exotic car rental.

Other great Father’s Day gift ideas include the following:

• Father’s Day Gift Idea #1:  A fun gadget like a GPS navigator, cell phone, or MP3 player. If your dad is a technology geek, he’ll love something along those lines.  Take stock of what he has and ask around for ideas about what kind of gadget he might need.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #2:  A gift certificate for a nice dinner. This could be a great idea for the dad who loves to cook and loves good food.  There are lots of great Dallas restaurants, but it’s a good idea to make a reservation as soon as possible.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #3:  An automotive dream tour. Dream tours are perfect for dads who love exotic cars and would enjoy driving several cars in one day.  If your dad enjoys exotic car rental, this could be the ultimate Father’s Day gift.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #4:  Gear for his favorite hobby. This could be a special fishing pole, some disc golf equipment, or whatever supplies your dad could use to participate in his favorite hobby.
• Father’s Day Gift Idea #5:  Grilling equipment. A lot of dads love to grill.  Why not encourage your dad to make an even better hamburger with a new grilling cookbook or grill tools.

Whatever you choose as a Father’s Day gift, make sure it represents what you dad really enjoys.  Father’s Day is June 21, so there are only a few more shopping days left!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

(Image courtesy of Photographer Josh Davis – Fort Worth, TX. and used with permission.)

Well, DFW Elite Auto Rental, DFW’s premier luxury car rental company, is offering up a chance to drive a dream car for a full day for only $50.

They are holding a random drawing open only to the first 40 people to respond. That’s right a ticket gives you a 1-in-40 chance at a day driving the Lamborghini Gallardo or some other super exotic dream car.

The other cars that you may choose to drive instead of the Lamborghini: a Ferrari F430 F1, the brand new 2009 Audi R8, the Dodge Viper convertible, a sweet jet black Ferrari 360 Spyder. You can even convert the winning ticket to rental dollars. To enter call, DFW Elite Auto Rental at 214.247.4700.

Those odds aren’t bad for a day behind the wheel of a Lamborghini that typically rents for between $1450 and $1800 a day.

Winner must provide proof or proper insurance and hold a valid driver’s license. Winner may exchange winning ticket for rental dollars to use on other Dallas exotic car rentals from DFW Elite Auto Rental.com.

This summer, that buzzing in your ear may be the annual infestation of blood-sucking parasites, or it could be something completely different. Apparently, the sales of Honda scooters (as well as other makes) have increased dramatically in Dallas, TX and in other cities in the good old USA.

With gas prices breaching $4 per gallon and seemingly headed for the $5 mark, it is easy to see why so many people are willing giving up their SUVs and sedans for fuel-sipping scooters.

Some quick facts: Honda scooters range from $2,000 to $10,000 and can get 100 miles per gallon or better.

According to a story by Kristen Fisher, a news reporter for KATV in Little Rock, dealers are having trouble keeping inventory of Honda Scooters. “We’ve got a few models left. We’re trying to get our hands on some more, but it’s been pretty tough,” claims Rich Richards of Richards Honda Yamaha in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Most automobile dealers are taking a beating. However, even within the automobile industry, niche markets are doing well. For example, exotic car rental.

“The desire of a select few auto connoisseurs to drive dream cars doesn’t go away. In fact, we have seen an influx of people who might otherwise have purchased an exotic car who are now renting a dream car or joining our exotic car sharing club,” states Ron Sturgeon, owner of DFW Elite Auto Rental and DFW Elite Car Club in Dallas, TX.

The exotic car rental agency allows customers to make online reservations and offers weekly Dallas luxury car rental specials. Meanwhile, the exotic car club allows members to get the keys to a dream garage of top-drawer exotic cars at a fraction of the cost of ownership.

“With the phenomenal growth of sports car rental in Dallas and car sharing clubs across the United States, car guys have new ways to drive the cars on the covers of Car and Driver and Motor Trend. And a dream driving experience costs less than most people estimate,” says Tom Warren, GM of DFW Elite Auto Rental and DFW Elite Car Club.

To find a rental car agency that specializes in exotic cars, visit http://www.rentexoticcars.net. To find a car club in your home city, visit http://www.exoticcarclubs.com.

For those keeping score, CNN reports that the nationwide average for the price of gas is now at $3.875 per gallon, a significant increase from a year ago when gas averaged $3.23 per gallon.

The rising cost of fuel has made travel of all kinds more expensive. “Travelers this Memorial Day have to redo the math on the cost of driving,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Fort Worth car rental company. “We have had some luxury car rentals for Memorial Day from out-of-towners flying in to DFW,” reports the owner of DFW Elite Auto Rental.com.

According to CNN, an estimated 12% of Americans will be traveling for Memorial Day weekend, but it seems that 23% of Americans traveling will be altering their plans – either driving shorter distances or using other forms of transportation.

The current fuel price of $3.875 is the 16th consecutive record-setting nationwide average. The price at the pump has risen every day for the last 17 days, leaving motorists wondering when fuel prices will level off.

Amtrak is taking advantage of the increase in demand by offering discounted fares for families. Children ages 2 through 15 get to ride the train at half price, and students, seniors, veterans, and many other groups can also travel at a discount.

The Amtrak website directly addresses the topic of high fuel prices, saying, “Shocked by outrageous prices at the pumps and sky-high airfares? This year, do something different — take your vacation by train, on Amtrak.”

“We are still a nation that loves driving and loves the freedom of the open road,” says Sturgeon. “I’m confident that Americans will find a solution to rising prices at the pump,” said the owner of a Tarrant County car rental company.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

But I am ever intrigued and surprised by the pure range of items that are available for purchase.  In this pursuit, I am always drawn to both the quirky and the over-the-top.  With that in mind, I offer you Candy Direct. 

Now everybody knows that candy is available almost anywhere.  Just try checking out of a grocery store with your kid and you’ll learn just how readily available candy is.  So why would I need to go online to order the stuff?

The folks at Candy Direct aren’t just selling your typical fare; they are going all out to offer anything anyone could ever want that is candy related.  Looking for hard-to-find candy, they’ve got it.  Looking for bouquets made out of candy, they’ve got it.  Looking for retro-candy from eras past, they’ve got it.  And on and on it goes.
 
Candy Direct will take you back to the simpler times of Jujubes, Jujyfruits, and bubble gum cigars.  What better way to develop cavities and life threatening lifestyle habits simultaneously!
 
My search for internet quirkiness has also led me to some somewhat grander discoveries.  Take for example Ron Sturgeon’s family of exotic car businesses that he operates with a strong online presence.
 
“In this day and age, you are really a dinosaur if you don’t have a strong Internet presence, regardless of what business you’re in,” opines Dallas sports car rental company.
 
Sturgeon appears to be trying to turn “kick the tires” into ”click the tires” when it comes to his exotic car businesses.  Perhaps his strongest internet presence is seen in his exotic car rental agency.  This company boasts an impressive garage of exotic cars that can all be reserved online by the day.  Additionally, the company’s website offers weekly internet specials that allow customers to choose from a changing menu of DFW exotic car rental special deals.

For those for whom cars are like candy, Sturgeon’s exotic car club allows members to drive a garage full of exotic cars for far less than the price of direct ownership.  This Dallas TX exotic car club accepts online applications and communicates with all of its members via the company’s website. Exotic car sharing is an excellent way to drive exotics without taking out a second mortgage.

Finally, Sturgeon operates a Texas exotic car tour company where participants are treated to an eight-hour sampling of an assortment of five exotic cars.  Again, the company’s website offers exotic car tour route descriptions, videos of past tours, and allows for exotic car tour reservations.

Whether you’re into licorice or Lamborghinis, the Internet has you covered.

 
Written by G.D. Gregory.  If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.

While your Hyundai is in the shop, why not go rent a luxury sedan to drive during the repair?  Your car will be back on the road in no time, but you might as well enjoy the chance to drive a luxury car while you’re waiting for Hyundai to fix the air bag system in your vehicle.

The affected Sonatas were equipped with a special feature to disable the front passenger air bag system when the car sensed the presence of a small child or a child restraint system in the front seat.

A great idea, poorly executed.

Hyundai began receiving complaints that the car was misclassifying a smaller adult as a child and disabling the passenger air bag system.  In a state like Texas, famous for having some of the best-trained tort lawyers around, Hyundai is smart to be proactive in fixing the problem.

Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas, Texas luxury car rental company, had this to say about the recall: “Hyundai has come a long way in improving how consumers perceive their cars. I’m glad to see them acting quickly to take care of the airbag issue with the Sonata.”

Although no one likes to have to be without his or her car, it can sometimes be fun to drive something different. “For Texans who love driving luxury cars, it’s nice–every once in a while–to drive something different,” said Sturgeon.

“I encourage people to rent a car they have always wanted to drive,” said the Tarrant Country luxury car rental company executive. Among the more exciting recent arrivals at DFW Elite Auto Rental are a Lamborghini Gallardo and a 600HP Dodge Viper Convertible.

“The new Viper is a beast,” said DFW Elite Auto Rental GM Tom Warren. “It’s a blast to drive, but quite a transition for someone who is used to the tamer road manners of the Sonata. For a look at all of the luxury and performance rental cars at DFW Elite Auto Rental.com visit (www.dfweliteautorental.com).

To find an agency that specializes in performance car rental in your home city, visit (www.exoticcarrental.com), on online directory devoted to helping performance car fans interesting in renting a fun and fast car in Texas and beyond.
Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer in the Twin Cities.  Visit her website for information about her freelance writing services.

Although it is hard for individuals to keep anything secret, imagine how difficult it is for large corporations, particularly car companies trying to keep the lid on new models.

Ford found out just how difficult a task secret keeping can be can with respect to their 2010 Ford Taurus. Apparently, pictures of the Ford sedan have been leaked on the Internet.

The good news for Ford is that most of the reactions to the pictures are positive. Ford put both American and European designers to work on the Taurus project, but it appears from the leaked Taurus photos that the Europeans had the most influence.

The posted photos reveal that the 2010 Ford Taurus borrows heavily from Ford of Europe’s Mondeo sedan design. If you’ve never seen the Mondeo, its styling calls to mind the Volvo S60 or the BMW 3 Series.

If nothing else, I am pleased to see that Ford is trying more adventurous styling. Only time will tell if American car buyers will return to take another look at Ford. “I have high hopes for Ford and am encouraged by the steps they are taking to make their cars more exciting,” says Ron Sturgeon, the owner of a Dallas, TX luxury car rental company.

With the recent demise of the Ford GT and a possibility that the new owners at Chrysler may not continue the Viper, sports car fans have to be concerned about the future of American muscle cars. “We’ve got a new 600HP Dodge Viper for rent in Dallas and we’ve got a Corvette Z06 that has been among our most popular Dallas muscle car rentals,” said Sturgeon.

As someone who appreciates the experience of driving exotic cars, Sturgeon has developed a venture to make the best cars more accessible to the people who want to drive them the most.

With tour dates in cities across TX, DFW Drive Your Dream gives car enthusiasts a chance to drive the newest 600HP Viper, a Bentley GT Convertible, a BMW M6 Droptop, a Lamborghini Gallardo, and a Ferrari F430.

This day of fantasy car driving guarantees every participant a minimum of a half hour drive time with each of the five cars, full driving instruction, and a gourmet lunch. Visit DFW Drive Your Dream to learn more about a tour in a city near you.

Written by G.D. Gregory. If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.

Remember the days before SUVs roamed the planet with the authority of their distant dinosaur cousins? I have vivid memories of piling into the old wagon for a cross-town or, God forbid, cross-country trip.

Well, as history played out, once all of those grocery shopping soccer moms caught a glimpse of the new SUVs, it was over and just like that the station wagon seemed to go the way of the buffalo.

Well, a funny thing may be happening. With gas prices soaring and the economy generally heading into the tank, people are starting to cut back. One way this is playing out is that folks are looking to spend less on cars and less to fill those cars up with gas.

In an effort to take advantage of this, Toyota offers its new Toyota Venza. What’s this bring to the table you ask? Well, the Toyota Venza is described by Toyota as a “crossover sedan.”

Rather than the slightly lower SUVs put out by Chrysler, the Toyota Venza interprets the term “crossover sedan” to mean “station wagon.” Although it would probably be marketing suicide to actually refer to the Venza as a station wagon.

The initial reviews are mixed with some calling the Venza a timely addition to the Toyota lineup that “looks like a winner.” Still others claim that the Venza is what happens when you take a “Camry Wagon and cross it with ugly.” Still, given Toyota’s reputation and levels of customer satisfaction, it is hard to bet against them.

It is still to be determined how the current economic and energy climate will affect those who love their cars exotic and fast. Many car enthusiasts are wealthy enough to be bothered by a few extra bucks at the pump. But others may find that owning their dream car is put further out of reach by these developments.

“There are a lot of people who have an unlimited amount of love for cars, but a limited budget to spend on them,” notes Ron Sturgeon, a man famous for renting Ferraris in Dallas, “These are the people that tend to make their way to our businesses,” continues Sturgeon.
Sturgeon operates an exotic car club, exotic car rental agency, and an exotic car tour company.

The exotic car club allows members to enjoy a loaded exotic car garage without the costs and inconveniences associated with direct ownership. Membership terms are flexible so that members can buy just the right amount of drive time to fit their tastes and their budgets.

“For car enthusiasts looking for an alternative to expensive exotic car ownership, car sharing is a fantastic alternative,” says Mr. Sturgeon. “Our Dallas car sharing club just added its thrid Lamborghini and we also just received the new Dodge Viper,” said Sturgeon. Find out more about membership in a car club by visiting http://www.dfwelitecarclub.com.

Written by G.D. Gregory. If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.

Anyway, most people approach tax day with a great deal of trepidation. This year, however, the tax deadline comes with a bit of a deal sweetener.

This year, for those filers that qualify (generally, singles with adjusted gross incomes under $75K and married folks with adjusted gross incomes under $150K) there is a tax rebate check waiting for them once they file their tax return.

There is a catch though. You have to file on time to get your rebate check in May. If you do like so many others do this time of year and file a tax extension (IRS Form 4868), you may be left waiting for your rebate check.

It’s important to distinguish between your tax refund (what you get if you overpaid your taxes throughout the year via withholding from your paycheck) and the tax rebate (which is a government giveaway meant to boost the economy).

For those getting a tax refund, there is extra incentive to file their tax returns timely so that they can get the tax rebate around the same time they get their refund.

Then comes the fun part, the patriotic duty of stimulating the economy. There will be no shortage of retailers and other businesses offering to help you spend that found money from the government.

Sure you could do something boring and responsible like pay down debt or invest in a mutual fund. But that’s not too much fun to describe to your co-workers. Instead, why not treat yourself a little bit.

One idea that I’ve got my eye on is joining an exotic car club in Dallas. These clubs are loaded with exotic cars of all kinds and they allow their members to access them without going into bankruptcy trying to buy and maintain such precious automobiles. With the economy slowing and fewer people buying expensive luxury items, these car sharing clubs are sure to be a viable alternative to direct ownership.

If you live outside my beloved Texas, take a peak at www.exoticcarclubs.com, a directory to clubs that can help you find one in the city where you live. Most larger cities have at least one exotic car sharing club.

For just a quick fling, it’s also fun to rent exotic cars for the day or weekend. Nothing is cooler than surprising your significant other by rolling up in a Bentley for your Dallas dinner date. Renting a prestige car can also help you out for important business engagements where a little style may help you close the deal. In any case, it may be an allowable business deduction—consult your tax professional… One of my favorite exotic car rental companies is Precious Metals Cars in Savannah, GA. Whether you’re going to see the Masters or visit old time Savannah, renting a Viper from Shane Atwood is a sure fire way to stimulate more than the economy.

If it is a truly gluttonous exotic car experience you seek, consider an exotic car tour in Dallas-Fort Worth. These tours allow drivers to get behind the wheel of several exotic cars for a whole day of driving throughout scenic Texas countryside. It might even be a sweet enough experience to purge the horror of taxes from your mind until next year.

Written by G.D. Gregory. If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.