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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Facts about Limousines

You might be surprised to find out that you may need a special license in order to operate a limousine or that manufacturers have to pay a "gas guzzler tax" --"intended to discourage the production and purchase of fuel-inefficient cars." The facts and figures below can help sort out gas mileage, safety and costs associated with owning or renting a limo.

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. Many states don't require anything more than a standard license, though some might require that the chauffeur apply for a commercial license if the limousine is going to carry large numbers of passengers at one time.

Safety
Limousines 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 limousine companies that their vehicles have been tested.

Gas Mileage
In general, limousines get lousy gas mileage, though it varies from vehicle to vehicle (and even a Lincoln stretch limo from one company might get vastly different mileage from a different company's stretch Lincoln). Limousine companies have to pay a "gas guzzler tax" on each vehicle [source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]. 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 limousine 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. There are also hundreds of private operators who either hire themselves out to anyone or become a personal driver for a wealthy person. Before you rent a limo -- or purchase one for yourself -- it pays to do some research on the limousine company. Make sure the company tests its vehicles and, if possible, find out what the certification process is for its drivers. Reputation in the limousine industry is very important, so try to pick a company with a good one. That way, when you're riding in the back with several of your friends, all you'll have to worry about is what everyone wants to drink.

Lastly, if you live in Arizona, I might just have a very good news for you. Have you heard about miragelimo.com? Well if not, it's like this. Mirage Limo has been Arizona’s Premier limousine service for over 23 years, featuring the ultimate in luxurious chauffeured Arizona limousines, executive vans, minibuses and corporate sedans for the greater Phoenix area and all of Arizona. Mirage Limousine is fully equipped with late model stretch Hummer limousines, Chrysler 300 Hemi limousines, Escalade limousines, Navigator limousines, Excursion limousines, Cadillac limousines, Lincoln limousines, Excalibur limousines, and Mercedes Benz limousines. Their vehicle features include super sound systems, LCD TV’s, DVD players, crystal bars, fiber optics, neon lights, moon roofs and much more. Their luxurious limousines will serve all of your transportation needs. Whether you need a Phoenix Party Bus, an Executive Van in Scottsdale, a Mini-Bus in Tempe, or a corporate sedan for a business meeting, we will serve all of your transportation needs anywhere in Arizona. They provide Phoenix Limousine Service, Mesa, Scottsdale, and the greater Phoenix area with limousines and airport transportation. We serve the transportation needs of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler, and the entire state of Arizona.

For more details you can visit them at www.miragelimo.com