January 7th, 2009 by Hal Moses
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall has been issued by Nissan for 242,720 Pathfinders, Xterras and Frontiers for model years 2005-2009. The recall is due to a crash sensor that causes the airbag to deploy in an accident. This recall is mainly aimed at cars that are sold in climates with cold weather, in which road salt causes the crash sensor to corrode. The warning light for the airbag may become illuminated.
Nissan says they will replace sensors that are faulty and put new ones in, and all vehicle owners will receive a 10-year extended warranty for the crash sensors. Nissan urges people to look for the warning light regardless. This recall is the second one Nissan has had in the last three months that involves an airbag sensor. Nissan owners can call Nissan at 800-647-7261.
It is important for car owners to protect themselves by purchasing new car warranties, since you never know when your car will fail.
January 6th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Car shoppers are always questioning whether they should lease or buy. But, here’s another question for shoppers: Will you even be able to lease your next vehicle?
U.S. carmakers’ financial subsidiaries have had to cut back on their leasing program, because of lower used-car values, especially with large vehicles.
Based on reports of poor earnings, Chrysler is completely abandoning leasing, and GM and Ford are making it hard for people to arrange leases through financial subsidiaries.
In fact, all carmakers are trying not to rely on leasing because it harms a profit picture that is already bleak.
The reason that this trend is continuing is because of the high risks and costs of leasing compared with regular cash and APR business.
Even foreign carmakers are considering following the lead of domestics, although for now they still offer leases.
But, the original question of should you lease still remains. The domestic carmakers are going to make it so expensive to lease that you should probably avoid it. Instead, purchase new or used with an auto warranty to protect you in case of unforeseen repairs down the road.
January 6th, 2009 by Hal Moses
In NYC the top taxicab lobby didn’t take lightly Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s attempt at making the taxi fleet hybrids. After the announcement that NYC would require taxi companies to gradually phase out the V-8 Crown Victoria, which is a gas-guzzler, for hybrid vehicles that are much more expensive, the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade started its campaign designed to fight back.
Last week it won a victory because Paul Crotty, who is a federal judge, ruled that the federal government’s laws about fuel economy pre-empt and city or state regulations.
Obviously, Mayor Bloomberg wasn’t pleased, claiming that “Archaic Washington regulations†should not keep cities from taking matters, such as efficiency and pollution reduction into their own hands. Certainly, consumers are taking steps to reduce their car costs by purchasing hybrids with new car warranties.
The ruling is peculiar considering the nation has moved away from gas-guzzlers, but it is likely that the decision won’t hold.
January 3rd, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many people maintain their car under the hood but neglect their car’s exterior. To freshen up your car and make it look brand new, follow these simple tips.
To care for your car’s exterior start by giving it a comprehensive washing. You’ll want to remove all of the mud and grime that has built up on your car.
Make sure to use a pH balanced wash on your car. You should avoid harsh detergents because they will strip off the car wax on your vehicle.
After a good car washing, make an evaluation of the surface of your vehicle. You can do this by rubbing your hand along the surface of your vehicle. If the surface feels rough on your hand, chances are you have bugs, tar, or water deposits. These things need to be removed before you wax your car.
After doing these things it is time to put a car polish and wax on your car to protect it’s finish from harmful elements.
Make sure to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your car. This includes maintenance, washing, waxing, and buying an auto warranty.
January 3rd, 2009 by Hal Moses
It is helpful to use a car loan calculator to determine what the cost for a new or used car purchase will be monthly.
These can be found online with options for buying or leasing. This is a helpful tool in determining what your budget actually is and how much car you can afford. Just remember to factor in other car costs, such as maintenance and new car warranties.
Just remember that the numbers on a vehicle loan calculator are not actual quotes. The calculator allows you to compare the costs of different cars and see what your payments per month will be.
On the calculator there is a line to enter the dollar amount you would like to finance. Then, by clicking your mouse you can compare what payments will be, with different arrangements for paying. You can also find out what interest payments will be for the life of the vehicle loan.
It is a bonus to use a car loan calculator before going to a dealership to buy a vehicle. You will already know what your budget is, which will allow you to make a smart purchase. You will also know how much money you have left over to spend on maintenance costs and an auto warranty.
January 3rd, 2009 by Hal Moses
Today, there are many options when purchasing a vehicle. You can buy new, used or certified pre-owned. However, many people just love the feeling of having that new car. How do you know if a new car is right for you?
If you are one of those people who take great pride in the ownership of your vehicle, or have the first kid on the block syndrome, you should probably purchase a new car. In addition to ownership pride, you will also be equipped with the newest car technologies, which will provide you with safety and comfort. Also, new cars come with an auto warranty that brings owners peace of mind.
New vehicles also give back practical returns to those people who push their cars to the max and wear them out. If you are logging a large amount of miles or hold onto a car for at least five years you should purchase the vehicle that you really want. Also, if you are planning to customize your car with the transmission and engine, as well as other accessories and options to suit your style, you should buy new.
Let’s face it, there is no feeling like owning a new car and knowing that you aren’t inheriting any one else’s problems. Buying a new car is a great way to go for people who have the funds. In addition, new car warranties that come with new cars give you great peace of mind.
January 3rd, 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.
January 3rd, 2009 by Hal Moses
Although General Motors has been busy planning a lineup of electric cars and subcompacts, it doesn’t mean that they have forgotten how to have a little fun.
With much anticipation, GM has introduced the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. The excitement surrounding the event is usually only seen with Hollywood blockbusters and iPods. There is no coincidence that the concept car was the star of the 2007 film “Transformersâ€.
The 2010 Camaro is based on the 2007 model. It has a design that is modern, but has an influence of the Camaros in the late Sixties. Chevrolet is trying to use the retro influence that has made the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger successful.
The new Camaro isn’t exactly an economy car. It is offered in a 3.6-liter V-6 with 296 hp, or a 6.2-liter V-8 with 416 hp. However, the V-8 has the ability to make itself a four-cylinder while cruising on the highway. According to Chevrolet, the car can get more than 30 mpg in this mode.
Although consumers are demanding small, fuel-efficient cars, and protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties, it doesn’t mean they don’t get excited about fun cars. The Chevrolet Camaro is the prime example of this.
January 3rd, 2009 by Hal Moses
According to the Associated Press, Toyota has “secretly†started to develop a solar-powered car, even though the Japanese company has experienced its first year down after having positive growth for 70 years.
However, don’t get too excited yet. Perhaps the story that is the biggest here is the reason that the AP wrote about a potential solar car being created by Toyota. This isn’t any different than any other carmaker that has developed a prototype in the Research & Development department. Toyota is known for a reputation for its green technology that is cutting edge, and it will receive key expertise when Panasonic, its battery developer, takes in solar leader Sanyo later in the year.
The technology is there to build such a car, without a doubt. However, you have to ask, what sort of range is it going to have? Also, is there going to be anyone that will purchase a car costing $200,000 that will need to be recharged after 35 miles? One thing’s for sure; an auto warranty would be a good idea for a car with solar technology, such as this.
In other words, can a vehicle that is solar-powered be mass-produced and actually work for people’s lifestyles?
January 2nd, 2009 by Hal Moses
Buying a pre-owned car is a good way to get a good car for less money. However, when most people go car shopping they inspect the outside thoroughly, but forget to inspect the interior. Here are some things to look for.
Notice the smell of the interior. If you detect mold, must or mildew, there is a chance that the vehicle has water leaks. Make sure to look under the floor mats for wet spots. Also, it is easy to detect the smell of smoke, which probably means that the previous car owner was a smoker. Just be aware that it can be virtually impossible to eliminate car odors, so if there is a bad smell, look at other cars to purchase.
Sit in every seat, including the back, even if you don’t plan to ever ride in the back. Also, make sure seat adjustments are working as intended. And know that if a car is advertised as having low mileage, the upholstery should still look good.
The pedals will give you an indication of true mileage. If the pedals are worn it means the car has high mileage.
Do your homework when buying a used car. Research costs, such as maintenance, used car warranties, and auto insurance to ensure that you are making a good car choice. And make sure to have the vehicle inspected before you purchase it.