May 22nd, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many motorists neglect to put enough effort into shopping for car insurance. Often, people just grab the first price they encounter or accept rate increases that are routine without shopping around the market for the best deal. Consumers need to compare the coverage in addition to the price of the policy. It’s disappointing when you file a claim and then realize that your policy doesn’t have a specific type of coverage that you need.
According to studies by Progressive Insurance, six-month rates for auto insurance vary a great deal depending on the company, with the average low being $481 and the average high being $586 across the nation. What this means is that a driver could be quoted $1,256 for an insurance policy from one company, and $775 from another, both with identical policies. Another study by Progressive showed that just 20% of respondents had shopped for better insurance prices in the last six months.
Motorists often make the mistake of not spending enough time on their car issues. This includes shopping around for auto insurance, an auto warranty, and maintenance. Just making a few extra phone calls can save consumers a lot of money in the end.
May 22nd, 2009 by Hal Moses
So, you’ve done your research. You’ve been to numerous car dealers with quotes from the Internet, so you know what is out there. You know all about rebates, and have learned how to negotiate. However, you still can’t find the right car for the right price. Never fear, there is a car out there for you. Consider these options.
It is a good idea to get a vehicle model late in the year, when a new model is about to come out. For example, a very satisfied consumer bought a Honda Civic coupe in 2000, late in the year, right before the seventh-generation Civic was released. He saved thousands. Cars that you could purchase this year in this category are the GMC Sierra and VW Beetle.
Another good tactic for saving on a used car is to look at rental car sales. Most companies such as Hertz and Alamo sell their cars. Although they often have high mileage, they endure a rigorous maintenance plan. You can save up to one-third of the price of the car new.
Finally, you can get a great deal on dealership demo models. These vehicles usually have low-mileage. Often times they are used for test drives.
Any educated consumer can get a good deal on a used car. By doing research, and trying various options, you can rest assured that you are getting the most for your dollar. Just make sure to maintain your vehicle and purchase an auto warranty in case of unforeseen repairs.
May 21st, 2009 by Hal Moses
The legendary and powerful V-8 engine is finding its place in history, because very few new cars are using it, according to U.S. car industry reports. Consumers want to protect themselves with fuel-efficient vehicles that have an auto warranty, and aren’t purchasing vehicles with V-8 engines.
The majority of carmakers are deciding not to put V-8’s under the hoods of family vehicles, USA Today stated in a NY report. The V-6’s are also losing popularity and people are instead deciding to purchase vehicles with the V-4. In fact, observers claim that the V-8 in particular isn’t politically correct anymore.
Carmakers who are choosing to introduce new V-8s are tending to confine them to high-performance sports cars, trucks meant for towing, and several premium cars.
New vehicles that are planning to be equipped with a V-8 engine include the Cadillac CTS-V, the Hyundai Genesis, and the Dodge Challenger. Carmakers are making it a point to stress the fact that the newer V-8s are much more fuel-efficient than in the past.
However, GM is discarding the eight-cylinder engine from next year’s 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover and Ford won’t be offering its Lincoln MKS sedan with the V-8.
Consumers are opting for cars with smaller engines that have new car warranties in order to protect their wallets. V-8s are finding their place in history.
May 21st, 2009 by Hal Moses
Buying a new vehicle is an exciting event in most people’s lives. People often want to flaunt their priceless possessions for everyone to see. Drivers purchase an auto warranty to protect their jewels, and treat their cars with loving care. In addition, they try not to let their vehicle get any scratches. A car that is scratch free and has a shiny finish is a good reflection of its owner and brings a lot of driving pleasure.
However, with heavy traffic that is bumper to bumper, it is difficult to keep your beautiful gem scratch free. In fact, it is inevitable that your vehicle will receive a scratch or two no matter what measures you take.
Never fear, you don’t have to spend thousands at a shop getting your entire car panel painted. You can use Com-Paint, which is a touch up spray that allows you to say goodbye to scratches. Follow these simple tips.
On small scratches you can use Aeroshot Top Cut to remove and cleanse the surface that is scratched. This will most likely take care of the scratches so that they won’t need painting.
For medium scratches level with 1000 No. Emery paper. Shake the can well and hold it 12†from the surface and use a stroking motion to spray. Make sure the coats are light, not heavy. Let the painted area dry at least 72 hours.
Car owners like to feel like their vehicles are brand new. Simple things can allow you to do this such as touch-up painting, routine maintenance, and purchasing new car warranties to protect your vehicle. These simple things can keep your car seeming brand-new.
May 21st, 2009 by Hal Moses
If you’re dreaming of purchasing a new vehicle, but can’t afford the high payment, you’re in luck. You can switch out your car without going into debt. To get more value for your money buy pre-owned.
The second that a new car rolls out of the dealership, it drops in price. In fact, you will lose around 25 percent of the price of the car in the first year, and the value drops drastically as the years go by. A rule of thumb for people to consider is that a 3 year-old vehicle is worth half of its sticker price. So, if you’re considering a vehicle that is and ’08 for $50,000 realize a ’05 is worth $25,000.
Americans trade in their automobiles every 3 years. Coincidentally, there is a large pool of quality pre-owned vehicles. There is a great deal of cars with less than 30,000 miles on them that are only two years old. They are practically new. This, and an auto warranty, should eliminate the fear of buying used.
To get the best deal on a pre-owned car, educate yourself. On the Internet you can find out the worth of a used car, and the cost for a dealer to buy it. With used cars make sure you purchase used car warranties to protect your car in the event of a breakdown.
May 20th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Would you ever think that a convertible could receive the same safety ratings as its counterpart sedan? Well it has happened with Saab vehicles.
The Saab 9-3 two door convertible, years 2006 and 2007, that has a fabric retractable roof received the same ratings for side, rear and frontal crash tests as its counterpart with a steel roof. In fact, it was also named a “Top Safety Pickâ€.
The crash tests that were performed were the first ever done on convertibles. They were conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t even done tests on the convertibles that the IIHS did, so these scores are the very first indications of the safety of convertibles.
The 2007 version of the Saab 9-3 sedan has a suggested retail of $26,250, and the Saab 9-3 convertible goes for $37,495. General Motors Corporation is the owner of Saab based out of Sweden. Saab has had a longstanding reputation for safe vehicles.
No matter how high a car is rated it is important to purchase an auto warranty in case of unforeseen problems. Used car warranties will save you money down the road when your car needs repair. After all, no vehicle is without faults.
May 20th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Unfortunately, mistakes often happen when you’re in an unfamiliar place. A recent survey reported that people driving in RV’s often make expensive blunders. More than 1,000 RV drivers were surveyed, revealing some interesting mishaps that they have had.
The blunders that were the most common are as follows:Â backing up into something, failing to connect taillights in a correct manner, running out of fuel, driving out of a parking lot with the steps still out, and not judging clearance well.
Also discovered was that just over 50 percent of RV drivers spend at least a month out of the year traveling, and over 40 percent travel over 500 miles in a trip.
Although often you can find humor in blunders, they can mean big money in damages and repairs. This is why it is so important to purchase good insurance and an auto warranty on you RV. After all, you want to get back out on the open road quickly after a mishap.
May 20th, 2009 by Hal Moses
According to The American Consumer Satisfaction Index, the results from its Q2 aren’t good for domestic auto manufacturers. The people at ASCI claim that customer satisfaction is higher than ever for the whole industry, however there aren’t any American automakers that made the top four. And the bottom three on the list are made in America.
Domestic car companies are having problems because they are lagging further behind their counterparts overseas. This will be of no help when the Big Three lose more power with pricing. They will have to continue their dependency on discounting and rebates, in a car market where consumers are deciding to turn to foreign cars. People feel foreign cars are more reliable, and with the addition of an auto warranty, they enjoy the peace of mind that they get with them.
The ACSI is a representation of a customer’s overall satisfaction, which includes customer service and doesn’t necessarily determine the quality of cars. In addition, carmakers don’t have any control over a dealership’s customer service.
May 16th, 2009 by Hal Moses
If you have a special love for old cars you aren’t the only one. There are antique car shows all over the country that have vintage cars on display. The owners who put their cars on display feel a great sense of pride.
Many vintage car owners have restored their vehicles piece by piece. They haven’t just rebuilt the car they have restored it so that it is in its original state.
What’s the difference between rebuilding and restoring? A rebuilt car has new parts. However, a restored car has authentic parts that were from the exact year and model of the car.
Restoring a car encompasses not only the body of the vehicle, but the mechanical components. In addition, the car’s interior is restored. It is virtually impossible to find the exact upholstery from the year and make of the car, so it is necessary to get as close as possible.
It is a labor of love to restore a car, but certainly worth it. Do your homework on the car you are restoring, and research costs for maintenance and an auto warranty. There is nothing more satisfying than turning a junky car into a classic vehicle.
May 16th, 2009 by Hal Moses
In the last few years drivers over 70 years old have managed to lower the number of fatal car crashes they were occupied in. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that from 1997-2006 there was a 21% decline in accidents that proved fatal for this age group. This is a complete reversal of what seemed to be a trend moving steadily upward.
This occurred despite the fact that the amount of elderly people in the country is increasing by 10% in this time period. Their significant decline in accidents that are fatal outpaced their younger counterparts, even though they added 2 million more drivers and greatly increased the number of miles they traveled.
IIHS suspected that the exact opposite would happen. Past accidents and fatalities that elderly drivers were responsible for were growing, which made it necessary for there to be laws allowing elderly impairments to be monitored.
There have been several justifications have been given for this new trend, including elderly people keeping themselves more fit and cars that are being made safer.
Unfortunately, you never know when you will be involved in an accident, so it is important to protect yourself by purchasing cars that are rated high for safety and signing up for an emergency roadside assistance program. In addition, make sure you purchase a good auto warranty.