The answer is It Depends. It depends on a few things that you should look into when you are deciding where to take your car for body work. Sometimes a large well known national body shop can be carrying some extra staff that you surely will be paying for. Are there too many people in the front office answering phones and pushing around paperwork? You might be paying for their salary by way of a higher hourly labor rate. So you think that the small local shop is a better place to go because he will be less expensive. He might be less expensive, but he also might just be cheaper, and you all know that cheaper is not always better. In this case, go by word of mouth. Who is saying what about this business? Are they recommending them because they do a good job at a fair price?

Another very good basic rule is to shop around. Get several estimates. This will help you get an idea of what the price range for the job should be and who is outrageously overpriced. Oh, and ask questions. Ask questions about the work being done, you actually can get an education in the process and you will be better prepared when you go to the next place for you an estimate. Ask about the warranty. I am a firm believer that a company should stand behind their work, not just try to sell you a warranty to back up their work. Last piece of advice; go with your gut feeling. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Engines equipped with EcoBoost technology are designed to deliver power and torque consistent with larger displacement, naturally aspirated engines while achieving approximately 20% better fuel efficiency and 15% reduced greenhouse emissions than these same engines. Relative to the power output and fuel efficiency of hybrid and diesel technologies, Ford sees EcoBoost as an affordable and versatile alternative and intends on using it extensively in future vehicle applications. The Eco-Boost debuted on Ford models in 2010, including the Taurus SHO and the Ford Flex. For 2011, the Ford Flex, the Taurus SHO, the 2011 Ford F-150, and the all new Ford Explorer all recieve the V-6 Ecoboost.

Understanding the potential of the SYNC application programming interface (API), app developers have been clamoring for the Ford SDK since the company announced the launch of the SYNC Developer website.  Since then, Ford has received and is reviewing more than 1,000 submissions from interested parties looking to modify existing apps or create all-new apps that can successfully interface with Ford SYNC through AppLink. As the software that leverages the SYNC API, AppLink can access mobile apps stored on a user’s smartphone, and allows them to be controlled through the SYNC voice recognition system.

Pandora Internet radio, Stitcher smart radio and Orangatame’s OpenBeak are the first apps to incorporate the SYNC API, with more on the way in coming months. To keep the user experience seamless, Ford will leverage existing app stores for distribution of updated SYNC-enabled versions of apps. Owners of SYNC AppLink-equipped cars simply download the enabled app through the appropriate app store for their smartphone’s operating system.

EcoBoost technology combines direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to reduce fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and vehicle weight. But it gives drivers the performance of a bigger engine. Ford said its current generation of 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engines deliver between 10 and 20 percent better fuel economy than comparable normally aspirated V-6 and V-8 engines, respectively. Ford said it will launch three new EcoBoost engines by year end. Those are: A 1.6-liter four-cylinder for the European C-Max microvan, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge crossover, and the 3.5-liter V-6 for the F-150 pickup. The EcoBoost F-150 will deliver best-in-class fuel economy with the power and towing capability of a V-8, Ford said. The three new EcoBoost engines will increase the number of Ford’s global nameplates offering EcoBoost to 11. EcoBoost is available now in the Ford Flex crossover, Ford Taurus sedan, Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT crossover.

“Ford’s innovative use of carefully selected lightweight, high-strength steel grades in the Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect confirms that steel is the material of choice when it comes to fuel efficiency, strength, durability, cost and design,” said Ron Krupitzer, vice president of automotive applications for AISI’s Steel Market Development Institute. “Both vehicles earn top fuel efficiency marks in their class and feature clean, unique designs at an affordable price, making them ideal for consumers.”

The awards are judged and given by 49 veteran automotive journalists in the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and Web sites. The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. To be eligible, vehicles must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model.