Save Up To 100% Off Your Next Renewal

By Encouraging Your Friends To Join Better World Club!

After All, You've Given Your Friends So Much. Isn't It Time They Gave Back?

(That's Right, Scott Zelenka of Portland, OR. We're Still Waiting for You to Return Our Hedge Trimmers)

Better World Club members are attractive, intelligent, extremely hygenic, model citizens. Isn't it a shame that more people can't be like them? It's not just a dream. You can make it happen! Here's how:

Each time a BWC member persuades a friend, family member, cellmate (Ed. note: we mean the phone, I think), to join, that member will receive 25% off his or her next renewal. Refer four new members, and you'll receive 100% off your next renewal!

The process is so simple, even a global warming denier can do it! For now, just call Customer Service when you're ready to renew your membership. (Soon, you won't even have to call Customer Service: the discount will be automatically applied when you renew on the Member Site.) New members who are referred by existing BWC members need simply to call or email us after they join and let us know who referred them. We'll take care of the rest.

We know what you're thinking: "Gosh, I'll refer all the guys from my court-ordered civics class and I'll have free renewals forever!" Sorry, these referrals don't apply "forever". Four referrals gets a member the maximum: 100% off their next renewal (although we are sure that our members aren't selfish enough to stop at four). The discount applies to the primary member's renewal fee. (What, your associates want to refer other associates? Sorry, it just makes the whole thing too complicated.)

So that's the referral program: 25% off your primary renewal fee for each referral, up to a free primary membership. Questions? Concerns? Just feel like chatting? Feel free to give us a call at 866-238-1137. (Ed. note: just learned that "cellmate" didn't refer to phones. Uh-oh.)

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fus•ion hy•brid [fyoo-zhuhn hahy-brid]

-noun

1. the act or process of fusing the hitherto-contradictory concepts of "Ford Motor Company" and "cutting-edge environmental technology".

Yes, Toyota and Honda have been producing mainstream hybrid electric vehicles for years now, and much has been written about GM's upcoming Volt. Now and seemingly out of nowhere, Ford has shown itself to be a high-mileage player with its upcoming Fusion Hybrid.

The Fusion Hybrid is labeled with a 2010 model year but will be available in showrooms in the spring of this year. It competes in the same class as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but beats the latter in mpg (41/36 versus 33/34) and aesthetics (the Camry Hybrid is just plain dowdy, like your aunt who collects egg cups and wears sweatshirts with photos of her Yorkshire terriers on them).

The Fusion Hybrid represents a solid first attempt at a mainstream hybrid sedan and should give Toyota a run for its money. Though, it's being marketed as a 2010 model, it will actually be available in showrooms in the spring of 2009.

Things People Like About The Fusion Hybrid:

- An American automaker has actually produced a mainstream hybrid-electric sedan for sale to Americans! What a concept!
- The best fuel efficiency in its class: 41/36 city/hwy mpg.
- An LCD dash display coaches drivers on how to conserve fuel while they drive.
- Acceleration up to 47 mph using the electric battery alone.

Things People Don't Like About The Fusion Hybrid:

- The rear end needs a redesign. (I hear you, Sister!)
- Interior styling could be updated.

Quick Stats:

MSRP: $27,270
Fuel Economy: 41/36 city/hwy
Basic Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles (average: 42 months/43,068 miles)
Torque: 136 lb-ft (average: 224.62 lb-ft)
Standard Engine: 2.5L I4

Hybrid Tax Credit Information:

The Fusion Hybrid qualifies for a hybrid tax credit of $3,400, subject to phase-out.

Recall Info:

None yet.

NHTSA Safety Info:

Frontal Driver Rating: Not Tested
Frontal Passenger Rating: Not Tested
Side Driver Rating: 5 Stars
Side Rear Passenger Rating: 4 Stars
Rollover 2 Wheel Drive Rating: 4 Stars
Rollover 4 Wheel Drive Rating: 5 Stars

[The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rates vehicles of all makes and models to determine their crash and rollover safety. Our ratings are created with data gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests. Vehicles with the highest ratings receive a 5-Star Rating.]

Warranty Info:

Basic (mo.): 36
Basic (mi.): 36,000
Powertrain (mo.): 60
Powertrain (mi.): 60,000
Rust (mo.): 60
Rust (mi.): Unlimited

Really Long List of Standard Features:

- Power Door Locks
- Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
- Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm, SecuriLock(TM) Engine Immobilizer and Exterior Monitoring
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution
- Traction Control Controlled By ABS
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
- AdvanceTrac(TM) Vehicle Stability Control System
- Regenerative Braking System
- Front Power Vented Disc and Rear Power Solid Disc Brakes
- Battery Saver
- 275-Volt Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery
- 2 Front Power Outlets, 1 With 110-Volt Inverter
- Audio and Navigation Pre-Wiring
- EasyFuel(TM) Capless Fuel Filler
- SULEV Emissions, AT-PZEV Emissions
- Hybrid 2.5-Liter Atkinson Cycle, I4, 16-Valve, DOHC, Sefi Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 156@6000, Torque Of 136@2250, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Head; Permanent Magnet Electric Motor With Horsepower Of 106@6500 (Hybrid System Net Horsepower Of 191)
- SYNC(R) Telematics Includes Automatic Collision Notification, 911 Assist(TM) Emergency Response, Vehicle Diagnostics and Vehicle Service Reminders (Requires Paired Wireless Enabled Phone)
- SYNC(TM) Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices
- Radio Antenna
- Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
- AM/FM Radio With 6 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3 Player; Sirius(R) Satellite Radio (Includes 6 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii and Alaska)
- Perimeter Lighting Located On Exterior Mirrors
- Front Foglights
- Quad Halogen Headlights
- Automatic Headlights
- Front Air Dam
- Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers
- Metallic Paint (If Selected)
- Chrome Located On Exhaust Pipes
- Chrome Grille
- Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls
- Automatic Climate Control
- Interior Air Filter
- Digital Clock
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio and Cruise Control
- Compass
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Maintenance Interval Indicator
- SYNC(TM) Voice Activated Controls For Phone, Audio and Bluetooth(R) Wireless Enabled Devices
- Trip Computer With Average Fuel Consumption, Miles To Empty, Instantaneous Fuel Consumption and Trip Odometer
- Cruise Control
- Tachometer
- Ambient Lighting
- Illuminated Entry
- Front and Rear Map Lights
- Rear Carpeted Floor Mats
- Unique Color-Keyed Trim Located On Center Floor Console and Instrument Panel
- Leather Located On Shift Knob
- Front Carpeted Floor Mats
- Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob and SecuriCode(TM) Door Pad
- Remote Trunk Release Located Inside Vehicle and On Multi-Function Remote
- Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft, Door Lock/Unlock, Illuminated Entry, Trunk and Perimeter Lighting
- Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
- Front and Rear Pretensioners With Force Limiters
- Rear Electronic Parking Aid With Ultrasonic Sensors
- Trunk Anti-Trap Device
- Side Guard Door Beams
- Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
- Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
- Front Side Airbags
- Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
- Crumple Zones
- SYNC(R) Crash Sensor Sends GPS Signal (Requires Paired Wireless Enabled Phone)
- Personal Safety System(TM) Includes Pretensioners With Load Limiters, Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment, Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment, Front Passenger Seat Position Sensor and Crash Sensor
- Front and Rear Outboard 3-Point Seatbelts
- Front and Rear Automatic Locking Retractors
- Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Seatbelt Engagement or Weight
- Driver Manual Lumbar Support
- Front Dual Reclining Folding Bucket Seats With Driver Adjustable Seat Height and Headrests
- Front Passenger Power Seat Adjusts 6 Ways Total
- Cloth Seats
- Rear 60/40 Split Bench Seat With Manually Adjustable Headrests and Fold-Down Armrest
- Driver Power Seat Adjusts 8 Ways Total
- Power Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
- Telescopic Steering Column
- Tilt Steering Column
- Glovebox
- Front Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
- Front Dual Seatback Storage Pockets
- 4 Front and 2 Rear; 6 Cupholders Total
- Independent Wishbone Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Shock Absorbers
- Front Stabilizer Bar
- Rear Stabilizer Bar
- Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Shock Absorbers
- Aisin Continuously Variable Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission With Overdrive
- Alloy Wheels, 17-In. X 7.5-In.
- SBRP225/50VR17 BSW All-Season Tires
- Compact Spare Tire
- Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
- Vehicle Speed Sensitive Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Front Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
- Rear Window Defroster
- Tinted Glass
- Dual Body Color Folding Power Adjustable Heated Exterior Rearview Mirrors
- Front Dual Sunvisors
- Power Window Lockout
- Power Windows With Driver One-Touch Up and One-Touch Down

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Bust a Cap in That Gas

You know how sometimes when you're gassing up your car and you're not paying attention because you're trying to light a cigarette while topping off your tank then you accidentally forget to screw your gas cap back on and leave it behind?

Don't use a rag, washcloth, or small marsupial as a long-term substitute for a cap. Go out and buy a new one right away. Driving without a gas cap is dangerous and will cause excessive fuel loss from evaporation.

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Don't Give the Big 3 Automakers Federal Money

Give It To U.S. Consumers As A Warranty

But What do We Know? After All, We've Been Advising Automakers to Build Smaller, More Fuel-Efficient Cars for the Past Six Years

The Big 3 Automakers reject bankruptcy, warning that consumers will not want to buy new cars from bankrupt automakers for fear that repairs would not be forthcoming.

Fair enough. So, what if the government guaranteed warranties for car buyers? The federal government, through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), has been guaranteeing bank deposits since 1933. It could do the same with auto warranties. This, in fact, should cost the government far, far less money than continually throwing bailout billions at Detroit.

With the Big 3's sales dropping by 50% (from over 7 million units toward 3 million), we're looking at less than $1.5 billion annually for these warranties. Five years of these warranties on every car sold would be less than $8 billion, while GM alone is looking to receive more than $30 billion. And, at some point, the car companies should be recovered enough to pick up--or drop--this expense.

It's hard to see how GM, and perhaps Chrysler, can succeed without bankruptcy. Much attention has been focused on their labor union relationships, but auto manufacturers are locked into any number of business relationships that are keeping them from returning to profitability (e.g. the exclusive local franchise system that makes little sense in the age of the internet).

All of this needs to be reviewed by an independent third party -- say a bankruptcy court -- which can assure that all stakeholders in these companies make adequate sacrifices to enable these companies to be financially viable.

Lack of consumer confidence has made our country's financial crisis even worse--and yet the vast majority of resources have been aimed at corporations rather than consumers. Guaranteeing warranties for bankrupt automakers would be a relatively inexpensive way to bolster confidence, boost sales, and speed the American auto industry on the road to recovery.

And it shouldn't stop there. The purchasing power of government has been recognized by the Obama Administration--and ridiculed by the opposition party. (LA Governor Bobby Jindal singled out federal auto purchases for criticism in his response to the President's speech to Congress). Governments at all levels should use this opportunity to purchase (needed) green vehicles.

And consumers should be given further incentives to buy. Auto sales have dropped to the lowest level in decades. Recovery will only come with sales, not government dollars. Perhaps, high mileage car buyers could receive a "super" warranty in recognition that these cars are setting the stage for technology breakthroughs to come.

Maybe these "super warranties" could include roadside assistance, say, from Better World Club, the nation's only eco-friendly auto cl...Wait, we're getting carried away here. This isn't about Better World Club.

It's about getting the Big 3 healthy again. Federal warranties could be the most cost-effective route to that goal.

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Lemon Information

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Component: Door Locks
Consequence: All the doors automatically unlock when the car is placed in park. This is an intentional design feature that cannot be deactivated or changed by dealers.

Component: Suspension
Consequence: Car sounded as though it needs new shocks/struts as soon as it was driven off the lot. The dealer couldn't do anything, and Hyundai advised that is how the car is built, and there is nothing to fix.

Component: Engine Cooling System
Consequence: New Sonata was delivered to customer with a pre-existing oil leak. The engine had to be replaced, and now there is powertrain vibration and strong odor when the engine is warm.

Component: Equipment
Consequence: The satellite/FM/AM digital radio doesn't work properly. The radio was replaced, and there are still problems. Dealer advised that a non-digital radio cannot be installed.

Component: Suspension
Consequence: Brand new Sonata has bad front shock absorbers. Dealer ordered new shocks.

Component: Suspension
Consequence: Car makes loud noises when driving over bumps, as if something were loose.

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February 2009 Recalls

Bentley is recalling 27 MY 2009 Continental Flying Spur and Continental Flying Spur Speed vehicles. There is the potential for the center rear seat belt upper guide bracket to distort in the event of a frontal impact. This distortion could result in the centre rear seat occupant traveling further forwards than the design intends. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury. Dealers will replace the seat belt guide bracket free of charge. The recall began in February 2009. Owners may contact Bentley at 1-617-488-8500.

Chrysler is recalling 6,138 my 2009 town and country and dodge grand caravan vehicles. Unused electrical connectors for the blind spot detection system may become corroded and could short circuit, which can cause a variety of conditions. If the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connectors could overheat and potentially catch fire. Dealers will seal the power circuit at the subject connector and replace the fuse for this circuit if necessary free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Chrysler is recalling 92 MY 2009 Sebring and Dodge Avenger equipped with 2.4L engine passenger vehicles. A compatibility issue between the instrument cluster software and fuel pump module can result in the fuel gauge overstating the actual fuel tank level. As a result, the vehicle may run out of fuel when the gauge indicates that there is still fuel remaining in the tank. This could cause a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Ferrari is recalling 1,950 my 2005-2007 f40 spider vehicles. The defect involves the hydraulic hoses for the convertible top that are located inside of the engine compartment. The heat from the engine may cause hair-line cracks to form in the hoses which may result in fluid leakage from the convertible top hydraulic system. This leakage in turn, will cause the convertible top warning light to illuminate and if not remedied, could ultimately leak fluid into the engine compartment causing smoke and a fire, rendering the vehicle inoperable and possibly resulting in a crash. Dealers will install protective heat shields over the convertible top hydraulic lines to insulate them from the heat of the engine compartment. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2009. Owners may contact Ferrari at 201-816-2600.

Ford is recalling 11,134 MY 2009 4X2 ranger vehicles. Some front wheel spindles were improperly manufactured creating the risk that a spindle may fracture during the normal useful life of the truck. If a spindle fractures, the wheel may separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the front spindle if necessary free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2009. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

GM is recalling 8,012 MY 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 vehicles. The brake lamps may not operate properly because of corrosion in a wiring connector. Corrosion in the connector could cause the brake lamps to illuminate when the brake pedal has not been depressed, or the lamps may not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. In addition, the cruise control may not engage, and greater brake pedal force may be required to shift the vehicle out of PARK. Brake lamps that are not operating properly may not warn a driver in a following vehicle of the braking status and could lead to a crash without prior warning.
Dealers will apply a dielectric lubricant to the connector to prevent corrosion. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The recall began on February 17, 2009. Owners may contact Pontiac at 1- 800-620-7668 or owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Honda is recalling 421 MY 2009 Odyssey vehicles. During assembly, incorrect front brake hoses were installed. The brake hose can contact the caliper bolt and over time a hole may develop which will allow brake fluid to leak. This would eventually result in reduced brake system performance. Drivers would not be aware of brake system failure and braking capability would not be possible, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect both front brake hoses and replace with the correct brake hoses free of charge.
The recall began on February 12, 2009. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Kawasaki is recalling MY 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) motorcycles. The muffler assembly is secured to the frame of the motorcycle by two bolts. It is possible that heat expansion cycles of the muffler, combined with vibration from vehicle operation may cause loosening of the muffler mounting bolts. If the bolts loosen completely, it is possible for the muffler to separate from the motorcycle, creating a risk of a crash resulting in injury or death. Dealers will remove the paint from the muffler mount tabs and replace the mount bolts, nut, and washer free of charge. The recall began on February 23, 2009. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 866-802-9381.

Kawasaki is recalling MY 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) motorcycles. Wires in the wiring harness might be damaged due to rubbing contact with a portion of the motorcycle frame. This could result in loss of electrical power to the engine creating a risk of a crash resulting in injury or death. Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the main wiring harness free of charge. The recall began on February 24, 2009. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 866-802-9381.

Kawasaki is recalling MY 2009 Ninja ZX10R (ZX1000E9F/E9FA/E9FAL) motorcycles. The timing inspection caps on the starter clutch cover may come loose due to improper tightening and fall out, allowing oil to leak onto the rear tire. This could create a crash resulting in injury or death. Dealers will tighten the timing inspection caps free of charge. The recall began on February 23, 2009. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

Mazda is recalling 29,000 my 2009 Mazda6. The outer door handles may stick which may prevent the door from latching. This situation may allow the door to open while the vehicle is in motion. Driving the vehicle with the door unlatched could lead to an unbelted occupant being ejected and could result in death or injury. Dealers will inspect the door handles and if necessary repair or replace the handles free of charge. The recall began on February 13, 2009. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Mazda is recalling 30,600 MY 2007-2009 CX9 vehicles equipped with power adjustable seat with position memory function. The seat harness routed underneath the seat cushion may interfere with the front cover bracket, which is attached on the front side of the seat cushion. Due to this the covering of the seat harness may be damaged, the core wire of the harness may touch with the bracket and result in short circuit. Drivers will experience certain functions that are uncontrollable which will cause serious difficulties in driving increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the seat harness and fasten the seat frame with a cable tie. The harness covering will be repair free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before March 16, 2009. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Mobility is recalling 86 MY 2005-2006 Ford E-Series and Chevy express van equipped with Ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 404, "Platform Lift Installations on Motor Vehicles." The threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area. The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally. Mobility is working with Ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or Mobility at 714-674-0480.

Mobility is recalling 86 MY 2005-2006 Ford E-Series and Chevy express vans equipped with Ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 403, 'Platform Lift System Accessible for Motor Vehicles." The anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure-sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift. A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally. Mobility is working with Ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or Mobility at 714-674-0480.

Piaggio is recalling 458 MY 2008-2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 200 motorcycles. These motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 "Glazing Materials." The incorrect DOT standard equipment handlebar mounted windshield that was provided was installed. Both DOT and Euro specifications were sent for installation. This does not meet the requirements of the standard. Dealers will replace the windshield component according to DOT specifications free of charge.
The recall began during February 2009. Owners may contact Piaggio at 1-212-380-4458.

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Ashland CarShare is the Latest CarSharing Fleet to be Covered by Better World Club

ACS is in Good Company - We Provide Roadside Assistance for CarShare Fleets All Across the Country

Better World Club is proud to provide fleet roadside assistance to Ashland, OR-based Ashland CarShare. Ashland CarShare is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the environmental integrity of local and global communities by promoting carsharing and other healthy transportation choices.

Check out Ashland CarShare's website to learn more: www.ashlandcarshare.org.

Do you need fleet roadside assistance coverage? Learn more about our fleet program at our fleet roadside assistance page.

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