February 18th, 2009 by Hal Moses
A recent report shows that new car customers aren’t doing enough to ensure the best deals on financing, insurance and new car warranties.
Only 64 percent of motorists would even attempt a negotiation on the price of a new vehicle. In addition, over 2 million motorists wouldn’t even bother to research the current value of their existing car when planning to do a trade-in. In fact, over 30 percent of drivers admitted they wouldn’t even spend an hour researching how they are going to pay for their new vehicle.
Alarmingly, 91% of customers weren’t able to explain what the phrase ‘lease purchase’ meant, which is a term often used in car financing deals. Also, 50 percent said they would go ahead and purchase a new car without getting any quote for the insurance.
Our nation is known for being bargain hunters and trying to get the best deal. But for some reason when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle motorists are falling short. It’s crucial for all drivers wanting to buy the newest vehicle to do their homework. Financing, insurance and an auto warranty are an essential part of the car buying experience. So, shop around and find the best deals. Otherwise, pay the price.
February 17th, 2009 by Hal Moses
A recall has been issued by Kia of 6,680 of the Rondo EX and LX minivans from the model years 2008 and 2009. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there may be a defective fuel pump for the four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine, which may not be able to get enough fuel effectively to the engine.
This could result in engine hesitation or failure of the engine starting correctly, which might endanger motorists if the problem gets progressively worse. If the problem occurs, the check engine light coming on may alert drivers.
If you have a 2008 or 2009 Kia Rondo, Kia will replace your fuel pump free of charge. Vehicle owners can also call Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Taking care of the problem right away may save you trouble in the future.
Unfortunately, you never know when your car will fail, which is why an auto warranty is a must. However, listening for recall alerts can also save you from unnecessary car problems.
February 17th, 2009 by Hal Moses
In this struggling economy, automakers can’t count on slick styling and big engines alone to lure buyers. Consumers have changed their tastes: appearance and performance are still a priority, but value, gas mileage, new car warranties and practicality are becoming more important than every, according to experts.
Fuel-efficiency stays on the top of people’s minds. A study was conducted in January by the Consumer Federation of America, finding that even though gas is at $2 per gallon, drivers are still looking for 20% better mileage in their next car.
However, don’t count out the importance of performance. Derrick Kuzak, who is the head of product development at Ford said, “I think people are looking for both [performance and efficiency]. He also said the carmaker’s EcoBoost initiative, which is basically downsizing engines for better fuel-efficiency but adding on turbochargers to make up for performance that is lost, is a way to satisfy both demands.
People assume that more power means poor gas mileage, but this isn’t the case. Now there are advanced drivetrains, better aerodynamics and lighter materials. There are popular vehicles in every car segment, from the Toyota Prius to the Escape that are more fuel-efficient and quicker with every redesign.
February 14th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Safety is one of the biggest considerations when purchasing a new vehicle, but it’s difficult to make an assessment on your own. There are many factors to consider when looking at the overall safety of a car. Here are a few of the most important safety issues.
First of all, you want to consider crash protection in a car. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performs crash tests on vehicles from different directions to rate a car’s ability to withstand a collision. You can access the results of these tests at www.hwysafety.org.
Next, take into account vehicle compatibility. Taller vehicles have bumpers that are quite a bit higher than a passenger car’s. This is dangerous for cars because taller bumpers hit cars above the crumple zone and often inflict great damage on cars.
Rollover resistance should also be a factor in the safety of a new car. SUVs are three times more likely to rollover, according to NHSTA. Rollover ratings are provided at www.safercar.gov.
These are a few of the many safety considerations when buying a new car. Consumers should do their research on such things as safety issues, car prices, and an auto warranty before going to the dealership. It’s best to be prepared so that you can make good decisions.
February 14th, 2009 by Hal Moses
You might find that your car has become a mess from kids, pets, friends, etc. But how are you supposed to keep it clean with kids spitting up and people having four-course meals in your backseat? Let’s face it; it can be hard. However, here are some tips to help you get started.
You might want to insist that whatever people bring in the car they have to take it out. This means that kids should be responsible for the cups, stuffed animals, books, etc. Also, you could limit them to only bringing one item each car ride.
Keep a trash bag from the kitchen in your vehicle. This comes in handy for trash, or for dirty wet clothes. You can have your oldest child be in charge of the trash bag.
For toddlers, purchase spill proof snack bowls and cups. You can buy a “snack trapâ€, which keeps Cheerios from spilling all over your floor.
Keep toothpaste in your glove compartment. This can save you from a stain on your upholstery. Just rub gently on lipstick or ketchup stains to remove stains.
Purchase some rubber mats to go on top of your carpet. If you don’t want to spend the extra money you can even turn your carpet mats upside down to reveal the rubber side.
It’s never easy to keep your car clean when you have a busy lifestyle, however, these tips will help. Don’t just purchase an auto warranty to maintain your car, put a little bit of work into cleaning the interior.
February 14th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Most people realize that hypermiling is not the safest practice; in fact it leads to car accidents. However, many people still do it. Well now, AAA is weighing in with their view on the subject.
AAA has released a very strong warning saying that practices to save gas, in which illegal driving techniques are used, are dangerous, and therefore shouldn’t be used. They are referring to practices like drafting off of other cars by tailgating, rolling stops, and turning off the car while driving.
Other gas saving practices toe the line of acceptability. For example, motorists who have manual transmissions sometimes cruise in neutral to conserve fuel. This practice is fairly common, yet safety advocates express concerns about motorists not having complete control of their cars. Also controversial is the practice of utilizing neutral with automatic transmissions, however some drivers who do this say that they can do it safely. AAA also doesn’t bring up the fact that there are numerous local laws having to do with improper driving, like not keeping your vehicle in gear.
Although motorists are tempted to do anything possible to save money on gas, including skimping on an auto warranty, people need to realize the danger involved in illegal driving techniques. Unfortunately, hypermiling has been known to lead to car accidents, which is why it is important to have roadside assistance. After all, we can drive responsibly, but we can’t foresee what other drivers will do.
February 14th, 2009 by Hal Moses
One way to improve our world would be to alleviate road rage. Everyone has gotten angry with another driver after being cut off. Wouldn’t it be great if we all had cars that helped curb road rage? Well, those vehicles have arrived.
Toyota’s RIN has friendliness in mind. It has wide, deep windows that allow the driver to stay connected with the environment. The headlights on the car have controls for light distribution that allow the driver to be considerate to other drivers. It even has features that reflect the psychological state that the driver is in, such as the steering wheel that is “mood trained†and displays that promote the mental health of the driver.
The Toyota i-REAL offers pedestrians added safety. It is a solo transport that offers maneuverability because it sits upright. This allows the driver to be at eye level with pedestrians. Also, it will stretch out its wheels making it more aerodynamic and stable when you want to travel long distances.
The time has come when automakers are realizing that vehicle design can have an impact on how friendly people are. Toyota is making great strides in accommodating fellow drivers and passengers to make our world a friendlier place. Consumers are willing to pay extra money on car costs that will make their lives easier, such as new car warranties, insurance, and even friendlier cars.
February 14th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Thanks to a poor economy, people are skipping the big purchases and becoming disciplined shoppers. Instead of splurging on cars equipped with all of the gizmos, people are holding onto their current rides and purchasing used car warranties. However, with some savvy buying tips, you can get a new car with great features. Here’s how.
First of all, in order to splurge in the cabin, downgrade under the hood. You can purchase a car with a smaller engine and still enjoy the interior upgrades. For example, a Honda Accord that is top-of-the-line comes with heated seats, leather upholstery, dual climate control, and plenty of other comforts, all for $29,000. However, instead of getting the V-6, you can get a four-cylinder for $3,000 less that will also allow you to save on gas.
Also, you can save by ordering options a la carte. Many times, popular options, such as a sunroof or heated seats get bundled together into megapackages that has a lot of features you may not need or want to pay for. So, shop around for cars with smaller packages, or just order the features you really want.
Finally, skip the options that are the most expensive. Features such as entertainment and navigation systems can cost you an extra $2,000. By purchasing a portable DVD player and navigation system you can spend less than $500 combined.
When purchasing a new car it is important to put your money towards necessary things, such as new car warranties, safety features, and maintenance costs. Pick your upgrades wisely to avoid going over your budget.
February 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
In order for a vehicle to maintain its peak performance motorists must get routine maintenance and service. This will also keep your car prepared for difficult driving conditions that come up. Purchasing used car warranties is a good idea so that you don’t dread taking in your car just to find that it requires additional repairs. To keep your car in tip-top shape, follow these tips.
First, check your tire pressure on a regular basis. To keep track, you should do it every other time that you get gas at the pump. In addition, check your tire treads to look for wear and tear and ensure that there isn’t any cracking.
Second, get regular car washes to keep a nice, shiny exterior. And add a coat of wax to keep away corrosion.
Don’t forget to be aware of your check engine light. Don’t ignore it if it lights up. Make sure to take your car to a professional in this case so that you don’t have expensive repairs down the road. Of course an auto warranty will help you avoid unnecessary repair expenses.
Lastly, determine a service schedule with a mechanic and keep it. Your car has certain parts that a professional should look at periodically. Look at your owner’s manual in order to determine what maintenance schedule is best for your car.
Just by following these tips you can head off unnecessary repairs in the future. However, you want to make sure you have an auto warranty to protect your wallet.
February 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many people struggle to decide what kind of car to buy. It can be difficult to sort through all of the vehicle options and new car warranties to arrive at the car that best suits you. Here are some important factors to consider that will help you make the right decision when purchasing a car.
First of all, decide what you intend to use the vehicle for. Don’t buy a 4WD SUV because you take two camping trips a year. If you’re using the car everyday for commuting, you are going to want to purchase a car that is easy to maneuver with good fuel-efficiency.
Next, consider the looks of the vehicle. You need to find a vehicle that you can stand to look at every day without getting sick of it. If you end up with a car that makes you shudder when you look at it, you will never enjoy it.
Finally, fuel-efficiency, although not as big of a deal three years ago, is now a major factor in car buying. Now there are options of what kind of fuel you want to burn. For example, some options are E10, E20, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, and B5. All of these fuels have their benefits, so decide which will suit you the best.
The best way to get the car that is going to fit you is to do your research on various vehicle models. Also, when doing this consider the added costs of an auto warranty, vehicle maintenance, and auto loans.