The Nissan LEAF delivers performance, safety and technology in an eco-friendly package.

The Nissan LEAF is giving every electric car a run for its money. The vehicle, which went into production in December, has earned rave reviews for its fuel efficiency and environmentally friendly engine. Trade publications and car aficionados around the world have called it a “breath of fresh air” for the car industry (no pun intended). While we love the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt, the Nissan LEAF deserves high praises for its innovative electric technology.

The company has worked hard to incorporate smartphone technology into the car’s software. With the CARWINGS service, Android, iPhone and BlackBerry users are able to sync their contacts and address book to the car. In addition, the LEAF's special application permits users to check the state of battery charge or, remotely start battery charge, and provides statistics related to battery charge status, estimated driving range and climate control. This is a great addition for eco-friendly drivers who are concerned about driving long distances without a full battery.

The LEAF has zero tailpipe emissions because it is 100 percent electric-- no gas required. The engine is classified as a high response 80kW. Reviews have differed on the exact range the LEAF can go without having to be charged, but Nissan says it can travel 100 miles per charge. Altogether this allows for the LEAF to drive at speeds of up to 90 mph and deliver a zero-to-60 time of around eight seconds. This number is based upon US EPA LA4 City cycle1. The five-door, five-passenger car has no problem keeping up on the freeway, it can go up to 90 mph. The vehicle operates on a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery and comes with a 3.3 kW onboard charger and 120V portable trickle charging cable. Don’t worry about getting stuck; the LEAF also has a quick charge port.

While the LEAF is all electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt takes a hybrid approach by having a 40 mile electric-powered range but an on-board gas-powered generator that will power the electric motor as long as there’s gas in the tank. GM is pushing toward the higher-end market with a $41,000 MSRP while the Nissan LEAF is still at an affordable $32,000 MSRP.

Although many Americans have raised issues with the number of imported vehicles being sold in the U.S., the LEAF is produced on the same assembly line as the Altima and Maxima sedans in Smyrna, Tenn.

Sounds like a combination of environmental safety, smartphone technology and American manufacturing.

How Far Can Your Car Go?

Do you have a favorite vehicle? Maybe it’s a sporty Ford Mustang or an eco-friendly Honda hybrid. Whether it’s the killer sound system or the leather seats, each vehicle has its unique qualities. However, at the end of the day each driver needs something that will safely get them from point A to point B.

But, what if you knew that your car would drive for almost three million miles?

Irv Gordon and his Volvo P1800 are well on their way to three million. That’s an average of 64,444 miles per year since Irv bought the car. While he has replaced tires, filters and valves, Irv’s P1800 runs great. He consistently replaces the oil and fulfills the necessary vehicle updates, which will keep any car in tip top shape.

Within the first 10 years, Irv drove over half a million miles—far past the lifetime of any vehicle made today.

Irv recently told Yahoo News! That in honor of the 50^th anniversary of the Volvo P1800, he plans to reach three million miles within the next two years. With every mile, Irv creates history.

Irv, from all of us at FairLease we wish you Happy Driving!

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too: Why the RAV4 is the Best of Both Worlds

With gas prices hovering at $3.50 per gallon, more drivers are considering switching to a smaller vehicle. But, what happens if you have a bigger family and need the extra space? There are several smaller SUVs on the market that allow you the room you need, along with better gas mileage.

Consumer Reports recently named Toyota’s RAV4 as one of its top gas-saving SUVs, and FairLease agrees! The roomy interior, smooth drive and excellent fuel economy make it one of the best vehicles in its class. It gets approximately 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. In addition, the RAV4 has an optional third-row seat.

Another perk? Its new re-design is sporty and comes in eight different colors. The RAV4 has many features that make it stand out among its peers. The integrated back-up camera monitor makes reversing easy as pie! If you need additional space for luggage or groceries the second-and-third row seats will fold down. Another one of our favorite features is the iPhone audio connection, which comes standard with a 2011 model. Thank goodness the RAV4 accommodates the rock star in all of us.

If you are looking for a spacious, sporty, fuel efficient SUV, the RAV4 was made for you.

4 Tips for Keeping your Vehicle Emission Eco-Friendly

Have you seen Nissan’s new commercial? If not, we highly recommend it. In it, Nissan questions what the world would look like if everything operated on gasoline. Can you imagine filling up your iPod, alarm clock and hair dryer before each use?

Here in Dallas, we hate to see the signs warning us about the poor air quality during the summer. One of the first steps toward upholding a healthy balance is having low vehicle emissions. In fact, the EPA has a “green vehicle guide” that allows consumers to check their vehicles’ emissions. We’ve compiled a few tips, with some help from the EPA, which will help you keep your carbon footprint down.

1. Drive less often. We know, we know, it’s hard. But next time you need to drop the kids off at the end of the block take a bike or walk. You’d be surprised how much money you can save by walking or biking. Plus, the kids will enjoy the exercise.

2. Newer vehicle models are more likely to be eco-friendly. Several car companies have vehicles that get over 30 mpg and are environmentally friendly. In addition, the emission standards have improved greatly over the past 20 years. Today’s cars produce fewer pollutants than ever before.

3. Keep your car in tip-top shape. Consider it an annual physical, but for your car. Check your owner’s manual for tips tailored to your specific vehicle. We recommend changing the oil every three to five months, depending on your vehicle.

4. Thanks to the EPA, we found this awesome fact: did you know that refueling when the weather is warm can increase the amount of evaporative emissions? This problem has a simple solution: refuel early in the morning or in the evening. The EPA recommends not refueling on Ozone Action Day. Also, don’t ever top off your tank beyond the automatic shutoff point.

Safe Driving and Happy Summer from Fairlease!

Road Trip: 5 ways to Keep Your Family and Car Safe

If you’ve ever been on a family road trip you know how stressful it can be. Everything from arranging snacks, finding suitable accommodations (to avoid Dad’s snoring, of course) and tolerable music (your son’s scream-o music isn’t exactly pleasurable.) But as a driver, the most important factor is safety. Road trips put lots of miles on your vehicle, which is why it is important to inspect it before you leave your driveway. We have put together a “road trip readiness” plan for you. Hopefully, it will take a load off of your packing list.

1. Tires. Doing a thorough check up on each tire can make a BIG difference. Check for nails, rocks or other sharp items that could cause a flat. In addition, check your tire pressure. Many gas stations have pumps if you need to add some air. If they look like they have no tread left, send them over to your local tire store. While you’re there, have your brake pads checked too.
2. Oil. Besides gasoline, this is the life blood of your vehicle. Recent reports have upped the suggested mileage from every 3,000 miles to every 5,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for more information.
3. Fluids. Most of your car operates on fluids, including your brakes and AC. These coolant fluids need to be at their proper levels in order for the car to function properly. Don’t forget to fill up the windshield washer fluid!
4. Safety. Safety. Safety: We cannot stress this enough. Make sure you have the necessary tools to fix a flat tire or other unexpected crisis. We recommend packing: screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, emergency flares, flashlight, jumper cables, tire iron, jack and radiator fluid. And don't forget a spare tire.
5. Finally, it is easy to over pack. Keep your load light by traveling with only the essentials. We know, we know, the golf clubs and 3 pairs of black heels are necessary requirements, but really, lighten up. You’ll save on gas mileage!

Planning ahead can save you time and money in the long run. Always be prepared for an unexpected emergency. Know in advance the route you plan to take. Stop by your local AAA store and pick up a map, or go for the Gold and get a GPS. You will never regret purchasing one.

Safe Travels!

Escaping Painful Prices at the Pump with Your Next Lease

No matter what you drive, you’ve probably taken a painful hit by the raging gas prices, and it doesn’t look like we’ve seen the worst of it just yet. With predictions of continually growing prices for months to come, choosing the vehicle you’ll drive for a few years is becoming an even trickier process.

If you’re like many other Texans, you may want a pick-up truck or SUV, but you don’t want to wait for gas prices to drop to a reasonable level. In that case, leasing may be the answer to your questions. Because leases are temporary, you won’t be stuck with an impractical vehicle at the end of your lease – or the height of the oil wars. This will allow you to choose your next car based on the state of the current economy, gas prices or other constantly-changing factors.

For example, suppose you’re a fan of bigger trucks with lower gas mileage. Why not wait a few years to buy that dually and lease a smaller truck in the meantime. If you really want to save, you can even lease a hybrid or electric car for a couple of years, hoping the pump prices will go down.

Of course, there are more factors to consider than gas prices when deciding to buy or lease, but if it makes sense for you to lease your next vehicle, choosing one based on associated costs like this may make the deal a little bit sweeter.

FairLease representatives are very knowledgeable regarding trends in the auto industry, and will be more-than-happy to discuss these factors with you throughout the buying or leasing process.

5 Leasing Mistakes to Avoid

With the economy taking an upward swing, dealers are welcoming a new surge of auto shoppers. For those of you looking to lease a new vehicle, that means good deals and more opportunities, but there are a few things you should make sure you remember when considering a lease. Here are five tips you don’t want to forget when shopping for a lease:

Don’t over-pay up front

Commercials may tell you that you can get a great lease on a brand-new Mercedes for only $200 per month, but keep in mind that the difference between that price and the average price for that car has to come from somewhere. Often, dealers will ask customers to pay a massive amount up-front, which offsets the difference and results in a lower monthly payment.

While this may not be a problem for you financially, keep in mind that in case something happens to the vehicle in the first few months of your lease, you won’t be getting that money back. Then, you’ve potentially made a dozen payments worth of money without getting that much use out of the car.