The auto industry has its share of surprises. Yes, you might be surprised to know that a special license is necessary to operate a limo service. You might also be startled to pay “gas-guzzler tax”.

Will you be surprised to know that Chrysler Windsor parts can be transformed into a spectacular limo? So to keep surprises to a limit, Howstuffworks gives the facts and figures:

Licensing
There isn't a standardized licensing requirement for chauffeurs from one state to another. Some states require chauffeurs pass a specific test to become licensed, while others simply require the applicant to fill out a form.

Safety
Limos have to meet the same safety standards as other vehicles. In theory, every conversion shop has to put every vehicle variation through a battery of tests, including crash tests, to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. The government periodically inspects vehicles and requests proof from limo companies that their vehicles have been tested.

Mileage
In general, limousines get lousy gas mileage, though it varies from vehicle to vehicle. Limo companies have to pay a "gas guzzler tax" on each vehicle. Essentially, this is compensation to the government for all the pollution the limousine will create over its life of service.

Cost
In a similar vein, the cost of limousines range from bargain buys to extravagant purchases. A custom-built Arnage limo might be more than $300,000, while a used stretch Lincoln might go for less than $30,000. Conversions can range almost as much depending upon the base vehicle, the length you want to stretch it, and the amenities you choose to include.

Services and Dealers
There are hundreds of limousine services in the United States that rent limos and provide drivers to the general public. Before you rent a limo - or purchase one for yourself - it pays to do some research on the limousine company. Reputation in the limousine industry is very important, so try to pick a company with a good one.

Things To Bring On Your Limousine Escapade February 12, 2008 I can definitely say that love is in the air! Cupid must’ve shot a lot of hearts for the past few days before the ultimate hearts day arrives. If you already have a date, make sure your car is in good shape - check all wheel bearings and interior stuff. A neat and dazzling car can do magic during your date, and that’s already proven. But in case you don’t have your own ride, why not consider a limo service to drive you and your date across the city to go to your sweet romantic spot in a classy restaurant or just merely drive to the hills for a simple picnic celebration. Okay, so you’ve decided to avail Limo services during the big day. Now what? Before the big night takes place, you should also consider what things to bring in the limo to make the celebration more memorable and fun. There are top 10 things you should never ever forget before taking the limo ride with your loved-one. To help you with this concern, Millennium Limo will provide the list of things you’ll need to bring on your limousine adventure… Check it out: 10. Prepare a great plan or arrangement even if it’s just a simple drive around the city in a limousine for a couple of hours. 9. Alcohol, of course, bring in the booze! The limo service package includes mixers, water, and ice, but for the power drinks supply, sad to say, you have to provide your own if drinking alcohol is your master plan. But it’s okay - a little money to spare for alcohol won’t hurt. 8. Friends. As the old saying goes, “The more, the merrier”, it’s much recommended if you go out with a big crowd with friends closest to you and your date. 7. Loads of canned food! You may never distinguish when Armageddon will hit you so, you’re just as probable to be in a limousine as anywhere else. 6. At least a fleeting awareness of the laws of the land and public politeness customs. 5. A great number of one-dollar bills for ornaments and trinkets. 4. Parachute pants. They’re coming back. 3. Disguises of fake mustaches, wigs, etc. The call for these will become all too obvious. 2. A cyanide capsule. 1. An aspiration to have some memorable and clean fun. funkylimos wrote @ 04:38 PM || Add a Comment Limousine For Every Man’s Best Friend! February 11, 2008   In the very busy and advanced world we have today, limousines have evolved into an insane, spectacular and glamorous ride. We are so delighted today to have the stretched HUMMER H3, a stretched Ferrari, a and a stretched Lambo courtesy of some radical geniuses in the industry. A limo experience will never be the same again with so much surprises popping out here and there. I was just wondering if stretched vehicles have stretched spark plugs… I know it’s a dumb thought! Anyway, have you ever heard about a limo with bath and hair trim services? Oh yeah, there’s one in Martin County! However, this limo wasn’t designed particularly for big-time individuals… but it was actually designed for dogs! Believe it or not, canines can enjoy pleasurable hair and bath pampering in this limo! According to YourHub.com, The Fur Seasons Resort for Pets unveiled their six-door Cadillac limousine a few months ago. The limo offers car service for dogs and cats who reside between Palm City and Palm Beach if their owners happen to be unavailable to take them to the Resort for grooming, day care and boarding services. "I wanted a car with six doors and it was hard to find. We finally found the perfect car in Nashville, where it was used for corporate VIP's. Now it carries four-legged VIP's here in South Florida. The Fur Seasons Resort for Pets in Stuart opened in June and offers doggie day care, overnight boarding for cats and dogs, training, spa and grooming services on a 1 ½ acre campus,” says owner Peter Einhorn. funkylimos wrote @ 05:28 PM || Add a Comment Safety Rules Hit Stretch Limos February 6, 2008   Just when you thought it was a permanent immunity, reality strikes - safety is a primary concern. And the legislators know that. But the thing is sometimes they forget about it. The production of vehicles is closely monitored. Automakers are mandated to do this and that. But they are missing something - the limos. Good thing it’s never too late (I hope so). To note, the Department for Transport admitted in an interview with The Press Association that majority of the vehicles coming from the United States and some of the limos registered in the United Kingdom do not meet British standards. As I was browsing online sites to look for discount auto parts, I chanced upon a noteworthy release about tightening controls on stretch limos to guarantee potential owners that they meet safety standards. Rochdale News writes: Stretch limousines - which have long been the vehicle of choice for hen parties, graduation balls and birthday celebrations - are now subject to strict regulations in a bid to keep passengers safe. Limos will now be governed by the same rules as private hire vehicles and hackney carriages, along with other novelty modes of transport such as fire engines, ex-army tanks and hummers. The new rules will see random spot checks carried out to ensure the vehicles safety, a practical test for drivers and the need for special permits for in-car entertainment and alcohol. The rules say that limousines must not be more than 6 years old when first licensed and cannot be licensed once the vehicle is 12-years-old or more. Other requirements include a seating capacity of eight passengers, seat belt usage and checks on the passengers in relation to alcohol consumption and entertainment. Vehicles will also have to have a Certificate of Single Vehicle Approval from VOSA and license discs on the windscreen and passenger compartment.   funkylimos wrote @ 01:28 AM || Add a Comment Top 4 Most Popular Limos February 5, 2008 Don’t be too eager in choosing limo services. First and foremost, know your options and ask for testimonials from friends and relatives, and last but not the least, know the top 4 limos offered in several companies today. And oh, great catalytic converters should be highly considered when acquiring limousine service. Four of the most admired Limos are the Ford Excursion stretch limo, the Party Bus or Land Yacht, the 2006 Chrysler 300 stretch limo and the H2 Hummer stretch limo. Anyway, let’s all check out the Top 4 limos in the planet with a summarized description courtesy of my source: Ford Excursion Stretch Limo The Ford Excursion stretch limo can be as much as 140 ft. long with a far larger capacity for passengers than a standard limousine. The Party Bus Also called a "land yacht," this lavish vehicle was fashioned to concentrate on the matter of almost all people unlike the usual limousine, which frequently takes in over 10 passengers. The Party Bus can carry as many as 22. Like the Ford Excursion, the Party Bus frequently has a decked-out interior that may often be a little more playful and is outfitted with color LCD TVs, one of which is often a big screen, and a full bar. 2006 Chrysler 300 Stretch Limo The 2006 Chrysler 300 stretch limousine is a sleek, elegant limo that is pretty luxurious. It has the standard amenities, including a bar and luxurious leather interior. H2 Hummer Stretch Limo The H2 Hummer stretch limo is guaranteed to get attention. This is a spacious, decked-out limousine that seats up to eighteen people easily. funkylimos wrote @ 05:48 PM || Add a Comment « Newer | Older »