May 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
The Prius has become one of the hottest vehicles in the country. This is actually quite amazing because this is a hybrid electric vehicle, which requires people to embrace change. With any change, people like to protect themselves. Many people feel better purchasing a hybrid if they have an auto warranty to go along with it. The billion-dollar question that innovators face is whether people will resist or embrace innovation. Apparently, Toyota got it right, because thousands of people are buying the Prius.
People accustomed to a regular vehicle would struggle to get the Prius to move forward. In addition, people probably couldn’t figure out how to put the car in reverse. However, these are not hard lessons to learn, they just require people to change their way of thinking. To start the Prius you press a button located on the dashboard twice. To make your car go forward or backward you manipulate a small stick that comes out of the dashboard.
People might fear technology because it is seductive, yet they might also have a fear of not being able to change. Either way, it is good to protect yourself. This includes purchasing new car warranties that will cover you in the case of faulty technology. Innovators never really know which way the cash register will ring. However, Toyota got it right with the Prius.
May 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Every year there are more than 10,000 vehicle accidents in the nation and approximately 450 people die as a result of the collision. Many of these accidents can be avoided by having routine maintenance performed on your car.
The vehicle is by far the most popular means of transportation in the U.S. In fact, 91% of adults in our country own, or have owned a car.
Before you hit the road again, check the following parts of your car to make sure that they are operating properly.
First, take a look at your tires. Many people neglect to check their tires and end up with blowouts. Make sure that your air levels are good. You can reference your owner’s manual to find out what the right level should be. Also, you want to make sure that there aren’t any leaks, low treads, or worn spots.
Next, change your windshield wipers about twice in a year. Your windshield is actually one of the most important parts of your car because if you can’t see the road well you are in trouble.
Brakes should be monitored to make sure they are working correctly. If your brake pedal is moving all the way down to the floor when you step on it, have your brakes looked at by a professional. More recent cars have a warning system to let you know if your brakes aren’t operating correctly.
Maintenance can save you from a dangerous accident. To save your wallet, make sure you have a good auto warranty that will keep you from paying unnecessary repair costs. You don’t want to find yourself unprepared.
May 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Why would someone want to buy a pickup? They offer the most flexibility in carrying cargo. In addition, pickups have large payload facilities and the ability to tow. Trucks with four door cabs allow seating for five, which makes them a good family vehicle. In addition to an auto warranty, what other considerations do you need? Here’s a list.
Consider whether you need compact or full-sized. They offer different towing capacities and engines in addition to being different sizes. Compact pickups are more fuel-efficient, easier to park, and cost less. Full-sized pickups offer more room inside and out, have stronger engines, and have greater towing capabilities.
Bed lengths vary. Beds range from 8 feet to 4 feet. The longer the bed, the more difficult it is to maneuver. Some compact trucks have a bed extender that flips out, which allows for carrying cargo that is longer.
Engines and transmissions can accommodate different needs. For compact trucks, the base engine is a four-cylinder, which offers fuel-efficiency. Five or six cylinder engines are optional, giving more power. A V6 is the base engine for a full-sized truck. For heavy towing and hauling consider a V8, V10, and diesel.
Pickups come in many sizes, with many options. Determine your use for a truck and pick the best option for you. Doing your homework on such things as truck options, new car warranties and insurance will save you money and time down the road.
May 9th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Buying a car can be overwhelming, yet, keeping a car can even be worse. Enticing television ads and the lure on the web can make it hard to resist buying a new car. However, during this difficult economy, it makes sense not to give in to temptation.
In America, people find it hard to stay with a car for over five years. But with a few common-sense tips and an auto warranty, an unnecessary car purchase can be avoided.
First, make sure that the current car you drive is small and Japanese. For instance, the Honda Civic is a sure thing. It may get a little rust, but it won’t die. And even though driving a Tercel from ’92 may not get you a date on Friday night, it’s reliability will make you not want to give it up.
Second, do lots of research. This is actually a great method to prevent buying a car. Searching the Internet for the cars in your price range will overwhelm you with too many options. Also research used car warranties to protect the car you have.
Finally, focusing on a specific model and make is a good tactic. This is especially good if that model hasn’t been produced for at least a decade. The odds are very slim that you will find that car on the market with less than 300,000 miles.
So, what do you do if you still desire a new car after weeks of research? What if your old Civic is pulling you toward the dealer? Just remember as soon as that new car gets off the lot it’s value will drop instantly. Keeping your clunker is your best bet.
May 9th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Used car buyers need to be aware of a common scam; odometer fraud. This is the act of rolling back the odometer on a car. This deceives buyers into thinking a vehicle has fewer miles than it really does. It is estimated that this crime leads to sales of around 450,000 vehicles every year.
Also alarming is that digital odometers are easier to meddle with than traditional odometers. There are ways that consumers can protect themselves against odometer fraud.
First of all, request to see the car’s title and make a comparison between its mileage and the car’s odometer. Also, compare the mileage on the car’s maintenance records with the odometer on the vehicle. In addition, sometimes there are stickers with maintenance records on doorframes and windows.
Next, you should ask for a Carfax History Report on the vehicle to see odometer discrepancies. If the person selling the car doesn’t have one, you can order one online with the vehicles VIN number.
Finally, check to see that the odometer gauge numbers are all aligned. If they aren’t aligned, or if they move when you tap on the dash, you may want to think twice about buying.
These tips can save you from buying a car that has been tampered with. However, you never know the true history of a used car. This is why used car warranties are a good idea to protect you against unforeseen repairs.
May 9th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Soon, Nissan Motor Co. will put out vehicles that push back if drivers attempt to put their pedal to the metal. Also, Nissan has been busy developing a test model that is loaded with added sensor technology in order to make cars crash-free.
The safety features that Nissan unveiled are among the latest of carmakers’ efforts to beef up their images.
The collision-free prototype by Nissan includes side and back sensors that enable brakes and alarms to turn on and aid in avoiding collisions. This system also allows the car to maintain a driving distance that is safe from the vehicle in front, as well as aiding in preventing the car from veering out of its lane.
Nissan hopes that these efforts will cut the number of car accidents in half involving Nissan cars.
Nissan’s system, called “ECO Pedalâ€, which has been promoted as being safe and green, causes the gas pedal to press up when it is sensed that drivers are speeding up to fast.
In a Monday news release, Nissan claimed that this system would allow motorists to improve their fuel-efficiency from 5-10%.
Global warming concerns and high gas prices are pressuring carmakers to put out ecological products. In addition, consumers are protecting their wallets by taking extra precautions, such as purchasing an auto warranty, driving fewer miles, and buying fuel-efficient vehicles.
May 8th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many people claim to love the smell of a new car. However, the chemicals that gives cars that new smell may be harmful and have been known to cause long-term health issues. However, consumers now have a guide that will aid them in figuring out the cars that are the safest.
An advocacy group in Michigan, called The Ecology Center, recently published a guide about toxic chemicals in vehicles and child seats on Tuesday.
The report deals with harmful substances, such as chlorine, bromine, heavy metals and lead. The Ecology Center got samples of parts that people touch the most, such as center consoles, steering wheels, and seat fronts.
The investigation determined that there are top healthier cars from Smart, Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda. Some cars that created high concern were by Suzuki, Mitsubishi, VW, BMW, Mazda, Lincoln, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Kia.
Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with car safety issues. They are taking precautions, such as doing research on new cars, and purchasing cars with added safety features, and new car warranties.
May 8th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Some consumers are apprehensive about purchasing a used car for fear that they will end up with a lemon. However, purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in Philadelphia is about to become safer thanks to a new lemon law.
When this bill becomes a law, cars purchased in Philadelphia must be road-worthy. If they aren’t, they can be returned for a full refund within three days. This law, along with used car warranties, will give drivers peace of mind when purchasing a used car.
So, what does this mean for the used car buyer? If you take your car in for an inspection by a licensed mechanic you can take the car back within 72 hours after the purchase if the car fails to pass the emission or safety inspection. The vehicle can also be returned if information by the seller wasn’t disclosed, such as a defect with the structure.
Consumers are thrilled with the new lemon law because this means they won’t get stuck with a piece of junk. With the addition of an auto warranty, motorists can finally have peace of mind when purchasing a used car.
May 8th, 2009 by Hal Moses
New legislation was announced by Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. This legislation is intended to stimulate the sales of new cars by allowing buyers of new cars to deduct auto loan interest and any excise or sales fees from the buyers’ income tax. This plan would cover the sales of all new trucks and cars from now until Dec. 31, 2009.
The senator claims that a family would be able to save $1,553 on a vehicle that is $25,000 under this plan. This deduction would just be for families that make less than $250,000 and individuals that make up to $125,000.
While most new-vehicle buyers would probably welcome the idea, it might not be a big enough incentive given the poor economy. Of course, when you look at all of the other fantastic incentives that have been offered lately, it may just be the best market for buyers in recent history.
Of course, many people will choose to stay home and hold onto their current cars and buy used car warranties instead. Unfortunately, consumers are reluctant to make any big purchases at this point.
May 7th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world, and they host a motor show that features exotic supercars made by small-scale automakers. The products may be insanely expensive, yet significant sales are secured during the show. Here’s a rundown of some of these fantastic supercars that you would never think of driving out of the lot without an auto warranty.
First, there is the Zagato-Bentley GTZ. This is a beautiful car that is a reworking of the Bentley Continental GT Speed. It has a double bubble roof and paint that is two-toned, with a style equal to the luxury vehicles of the ‘50s and 60’s. Only a handful of these cars will ever be produced, and they will likely sell out quickly. Also, these will become collectors’ items.
Next is the Bugatti Veyron Hermes Edition. The Hermes craftsmen, the Paris fashion house, have customized this car extensively. It even has grilles that incorporate an “H†for Hermes, door handles that are reminiscent of Hermes luggage, and a central console covered in leather. This vehicle can be yours for around $2.4 million. However, you must have patience because the Hermes’ craftsmen only produce one vehicle a month.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these luxury vehicles, don’t dare drive it without an auto warranty. Repair expenses on these vehicles can be astronomical.