Auto Warranty News

Consumers have been more concerned than ever about saving money on their vehicles.  They are doing everything from purchasing small, fuel-efficient cars, to purchasing an auto warranty to ensure they don’t pay unnecessary repair expenses.  But are they willing to skip the amenities that come in new cars, such as air conditioning, an automatic transmission, and power locks and windows, to save money?  And are stripped cars even available?

The truth is that it can be hard to find a car stripped with crank windows and a manual transmission.

According to JATO Dynamics, 89% of vehicles sold in America last year came standard with automatic transmissions, which is up from 85% in 2003.  Also, power locks came standard on 87% of cars sold, compared to 80% in 2003.

The vehicles that offer these features as optional tend to be on small cars, yet economy-car buyers usually pick convenience and comfort over cost if given a choice.

For example, the cheapest model by Toyota is the Yaris, which begins at $11,550 for a 2008 base model hatchback with air-conditioning.  However, approximately 80% of Yaris buyers choose to pay an extra $900 for an automatic, and about 60% opt for a power windows and locks package, which costs an extra $1,680.

It appears that features, such as air conditioning, and automatic transmissions are necessities that most people aren’t willing to live without, just like new car warranties.

Some recent bulletins stating nagging problems with several car models make an auto warranty a must. The following information is put out by the manufacturers to the service departments of dealers, as well as to mechanics.

Some GM vehicles have had problems with oil leaks. Vehicles that were produced between 1986 and 2008 with various 60-degree v-6 engines may experience oil leaks from the rear seal of the crankshaft.

Some of Ford’s large pickup trucks have fuel injectors that are stuck. This is specifically on the 2005 Ford F-150, Lincoln Navigators and Expeditions. Apparently, the injectors could become stuck open or closed, which could result in powertrain damage.

Owners of 2007 Jeep Wranglers may have difficulty getting started in the morning. A faulty engine camshaft sensor is responsible for a long cranking time. To avoid this problem the sensor must be replaced.

Car manufacturers are always discovering new problems that can be a headache for motorists. Don’t be caught off guard, buy an auto warranty to avoid expensive repairs.

Today, Audi announced that the Q7 3.0 TDI, which is powered by diesel, is going to get about 17 mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway.  This is approximately a 25% improvement over theQ7 V-6 that is non-diesel.  Chris Bokich, a spokesman for Audi, claimed that these figures are official estimates; reports early on had only estimated the highway figure, and the final EPA certification isn’t here yet.  If the numbers remain, the Q7 TDI will be squarely placed between other diesel competitors, such as the BMW X5 xDrive and the Mercedes GL320 Bluetec.

There is no information yet about pricing or new car warranties, but the TDI will be for sale in April.  It will probably rank in the Q7 lineup between the V-6, which is $43,500 and the V-8, which is $59,220.  It wouldn’t be surprising if the Q7 qualifies for tax credits.  The IRS has the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Vehicles program, which the X5 diesel qualifies for a $1,800 tax credit, and the GL320 and ML320 Bluetecs qualify for $1,800 and $900 credits.

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.

If you’re thinking of buying a small SUV you’re in luck because there are many good choices.  Compact SUVs offer practicality, fuel-efficiency, and nice style.  In fact you can find many models for under $25,000 complete with an auto warranty.  So what are the best and worst models to consider?  Read on.

The Honda CR-V is the #1 compact SUV.  It ranked the highest for performance, safety, and interior.  According to reviewers, it drives really well, has a sleek design and offers ample storage room.  Following close behind, the Toyota RAV4 comes in second place in its class.  This vehicle has a surprising amount of power for its size. It now offers a V-6 engine, as well as a third row seat. The RAV4 was the first compact SUV in its class over a decade ago.  Coming in #3 is the 2008 Subaru Forester.  This SUV is known for being a fun, family-friendly vehicle.  Reviewers complained about the exterior being bland and the balky transmission, but were willing to overlook these things because it had some great positive features.

Unfortunately, there are some compact SUVs that didn’t score as well.  In last place was the Saturn Vue Hybrid.  According to reviewers, it isn’t very refined and isn’t as fuel thrifty as many other hybrids.  Also at the bottom of the list is the Mazda Tribute because its power and handling doesn’t match its competitors.  Finally, the Jeep Compass drives more like a car, but doesn’t have the sportiness or off-road capabilities that other Jeeps have.

If you’re thinking of buying a compact SUV, there are many great choices out there.  The most important thing is to do your homework and make sure you are choosing wisely.  Also keep in mind the cost of new car warranties, maintenance costs and auto loans when determining your budget.

With the poor economy, drivers are trading in their big gas-guzzlers for fuel-efficient cars.  Yet, while that makes sense, if you switch too soon you might be looking at more overall car costs than you’ll save on gas.  According to Consumer Reports, downsizing is beneficial in the long run if you time it right.

A study by Consumer Reports reveals that if you still owe on your car loan, it might not be beneficial to downsize after just three years.  With a loan, initially your payments are made up of a large percentage of interest.  Trading in too early will leave you with less equity, which will limit a down payment for a new car.

Another hurdle that affects the equity of your car is depreciation.  In the first five years of ownership, depreciation makes up about 48% of total vehicle costs for the owner.  On average, costs for fuel only equal about 21%.  Within the first three years, depreciation is the greatest, and then it begins to level off.

So, trading in a 3-year old car will result in a whole new depreciation ride.  However, if you have owned your vehicle for more than four years trading in makes more sense.  Just make sure you have an auto warranty for peace of mind when keeping your vehicle for several years.

Imagine one day waking up to find that the only cars on the roads, in driveways, and in parking lots were electrics or hybrids.

CNW Marketing Research made some calculations to determine when America would become completely hybridized, and could stop depending on Middle Eastern powers for barrels of oil.

Based on the amount of people who live in America today (300 million), the number of cars driving on U.S. roads (11 million), the number of new cars that are sold in a year (15 million), and the number of those purchased cars that are hybrids, CNW calculated that in 2034 there is going to be:

• 357 million Americans
• 381 million cars, all hybrid or electric
• 15.7 million cars written off
• 18.1 new cars sold that are all hybrid or electric

It may seem like a long time, but it’s not unreasonable when you consider that every car being built and sold would have to be a hybrid, and every car on the road would have to be replaced with a hybrid vehicle.  Also, many people are holding onto their old vehicles and buying used car warranties because of the poor economy, so that is slowing things down.

Buying a used car can be a great choice.  You can get a nice car for less money and don’t have to worry about depreciation.  However, it is always necessary to inspect the car that you are looking at before purchasing it.  And since you will spend most of the time on the inside of the car, make sure to inspect there as well.

After you open the door of the car, smell the interior.  If you detect, mold, must or mildew it could mean that the car has water leaks.  Look for wet spots under the floor mats.  A smoker might have owned the car if you detect an acrid smell.  Odors can be very hard to eliminate, so if you smell something you don’t like, look for another car.

Sit in all of the seats, including the back, even if you don’t plan on ever riding in the back.  If a car is supposed to have low miles, the upholstery should be in good condition.  Make sure seat adjustments work properly.

Look at the rubber on the pedals for wear.  The pedals shouldn’t look very worn if the car indicates low mileage.  If they are worn through in places, it could be a sign that the mileage isn’t correct.

A used vehicle is a great option if you do your homework.  Research costs for an auto warranty, maintenance, and auto insurance to make sure you are making a smart purchase.  And definitely have the car inspected before buying.

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo5 didn’t have many trophies to its name; however, it was best known for being the most affordable car in America.  But for 2009 there are several new contenders.  Nissan just announced its new rock-bottom entry, which is now the cheapest car in America; it is the Nissan Versa 1.6 that has an MSRP of $9,990 including new car warranties.  That price beats the Accent by about $1,000 and the Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, and Chevy Aveo by around $2,000.

The Versa has a four-cylinder 107 hp, 1.6-liter.  It has 15 hp fewer than the standard Versa 1.8, however it is still competitive.  The newer version has a standard five-speed manual with the option for a four speed automatic for $11,990.  Gas mileage is 26/34-mpg city/highway for the manual and 26/33 for the automatic version.

For the price, Nissan makes air-conditioning an option for $1,000 extra. However, it comes standard on the other models, and also on the 1.6 Versa.

Not only is the Versa the least expensive car in America, but also it exceeds its competition in passenger volume and has good power and mileage ratings, as well as an excellent auto warranty.

Do you realize that your vehicle is talking?  Your car says a great deal about your attitude and personality.  It’s true when they say we are what we drive.  Vehicle enthusiasts believe that our cars are a window into our souls.

Carmakers claim that the decline of the minivan is partly because of people not wanting to have a mommy-mobile image.  In fact, GM and Ford have given up on minivans completely and are just putting their focus into crossovers.

In our car culture, motorists idealize their cars and even give them human qualities.  For instance, when people are hypnotized, they refer to their cars as friends.  Motorists even name their cars and talk to them.  In addition, people choose cars that have similar attributes to their self-image.  For example, a person who is outdoorsy purchases a rugged vehicle.

So, when it comes time to buy your next car and an auto warranty, take a minute to consider what your car is saying about you.  Your vehicle may be saying more about you than you would like.