Auto Warranty News

Smart cars are becoming more and more popular because of the downsizing trend.  But many consumers have reservations about the safety of this car because of its 8 feet long, 5 feet tall dimensions.  So how does the Smart car measure up in safety?

According to crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Smart car received the highest rating possible in side and front crashes and the second highest in rear crashes.  The Smart car comes standard with front-end airbags on the passenger and driver side.

Also, motorists can feel good knowing that the Smart Car is made by Mercedes.  The Mercedes name has earned consumers trust, and they have always had excellent safety.

In the Smart Car the passengers are essentially sitting on top of a roll cage.  This is an iron frame that surrounds the car and provides a buffer zone in crashes.

Although the Smart Car has excellent safety features, the IIHS reminds consumers that cars are ranked in their class, determined by the size and weight of the vehicle.  This means that the Smart Car is in the top of its class, but this doesn’t mean that the car is as safe as vehicles in other classes.

Consumers are taking safety into their own hands by purchasing safe cars with an auto warranty.  The Smart Car is a great choice for its class based on its safety features.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas around the nation is $2.24.  In just one month, gas has dropped more than a dollar, which is 86 cents less than the same time last year.  It is common to see a drop after the summer driving season, however, we haven’t seen a summer that has been so expensive since 2008.  So, could we witness $2 gas for the Thanksgiving holiday?

Gas prices have been lowering at a rate of around 3 cents a day over the last month, and we have 17 days until Thanksgiving will be here.  Calculations would mean that gas would be $1.73 by the holiday, right?  Not exactly.  This is the time when gas prices will level off, traditionally. Yet, it wouldn’t be difficult to speculate that gas prices could be around $2 by the time we sit down to eat our turkey dinner.

It’s hard to believe how gas prices have fluctuated since they were over $4 per gallon.  Consumers have become cautious and are buying fuel-efficient cars with a good auto warranty instead of gas-guzzlers.  So, will people begin purchasing large vehicles again?  We’ll have to wait and see.

GM is offering red tag sales on some 2008 and 2009 Cadillac, Saab, and Hummer models. Since these vehicles are pricey in nature, the percentages off might not seem as impressive as what you might see for a Chevrolet, however with the Red Tag prices, cash back, and impressive new car warranties, you will find some deals that are interesting.

For instance, the 2008 Escalade SUV in 2WD has an MSRP of $56,890, but you can get $10,183 off of that price. Also, the 2009 STS V-6 1SC was originally $55,325, but you can now get $5,719 off of that.

Hummer and Saab also have numerous deals. You can get a 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Sport sedan for $30,145 instead of $35,960 after the cash back and Red Tag Sale. Hummer deals are what would be expected- cash back and large rebates on models that are slow selling. However, one interesting outlier is the new 2009 H3T model, which you can get for $28,188 instead of $31,495.

You can visit GM’s website and type in your zip code to make sure these deals apply in the area where you live.

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.

Honda is known for its safety, and is trying to keep its reputation by developing an airbag that is new and improved.  The airbag will provide drivers with additional safety in the event of an accident.

The key components to Honda’s i-SRS airbag are a gas release control valve that allows the airbag to be deployed faster and makes an overall longer inflation period, and a spiraling seam within the design.  Honda claims that this protection is more effective for the driver in the case of severe impacts and increases safety in various types of accidents.

The new i-SRS airbag will first appear in the Life minicar, which is going to be released in November in Japan.  So far, it hasn’t been announced when the technology will make it to vehicles in the U.S.

Consumers are more concerned than ever with safety, which is one reason that Honda vehicles are so popular.  People are trying to protect themselves by purchasing safe vehicles with new car warranties that will provide them peace of mind.

It can be quite a challenge to find a handicap-accessible vehicle to suit your needs.  Also, it can be nearly impossible to sort through newspapers and services online.  This is why Rick Shutes started HandicapAutoTrader.com.  He wanted to help people who are disabled to find suitable vehicles.

HandicapAutoTrader.com is great for buyers and sellers.  People who want to buy can search available vehicles at no cost, and contact the website’s staff conveniently through email or phone.  Sellers are able to list their cars, with an addition of three images for free.

This website allows consumers to search cars according to the features that they desire.  In addition, you can search by categories, such as model, make, year, etc.  Also convenient is the feature, “Easy Compare Vehicles”.  This lets people compare vehicles side-by-side to get the features and price that they want.

As with any vehicle purchase, it is necessary to do your homework.  Make sure to research vehicles, used car warranties, and auto loans before deciding anything.  This will allow you to get the best deals.

You know that the trend for green cars has come of age when Hummer and Lamborghini get in on the picture.

The manufacturers of supercars for $400,000 and high-end SUV’s have realized that they need to keep us with small, efficient car models.  People desire lightweight, economical vehicles as opposed to heavy gas-guzzlers.

Lamborghini has an updated version of its Gallardo at $222,000.  Its new design is more “green” because it emits less CO2.  This is the greenhouse gas that is responsible for the change in the climate.

However, cutting 20 kg off of a 202 mph vehicle is not exactly radical.  This is why leading manufacturers, such as Toyota are making a big impact in the car industry.  It is hard to truly make a supercar or SUV green, although it is impressive that Hummer and Lamborghini are making a large attempt.

Green or not, whatever car you buy; make sure that you have an auto warranty to protect your investment.  You don’t want to find yourself paying unnecessary expenses for auto repairs.

Between the poor economy, and the increasing awareness about environmental dangers, gas-guzzlers and giant SUVs aren’t quite as chic.  Now, people are looking to small, economic cars instead. Luckily, there are more budget-priced car models to choose from than ever.  Some are terrific, while some are not.  Here are a few great choices.

The Honda Fit is a hatchback launched back in 2006.  It has superb handling, surprising power, and the quality associated with the Honda brand.  It comes in two trim levels, including the Fit Sport.  This car has a 1.5-liter engine with 100-hp, and is fuel-efficient.  However, the best part about the car is its price, starting at $13,950 including an auto warranty.

The Chevrolet Cobalt has a model for every budget: the LS, LT and Sport.  Also, shoppers can pick between the sedan and coupe.  The Cobalt engine is a 2.2-liter with 148-hp.  Also, the 2008 Cobalt has OnStar, XM satellite radio, and head curtain side impact air bags.  The price on this car ranges from $13,675-$18,875.

At $11,300-$13,675, the Toyota Yaris is available in a three-door hatchback or sedan.  This car is very hot in Europe and gaining popularity around the world.  It has a 1.5-liter 106-hp engine and offers excellent fuel-efficiency.

One thing is for sure; gas-guzzlers are a thing of the past.  Small, efficient cars are what people want today.  These cars offer great reliability, however, as with any car purchases it is important to have new car warranties to protect you.

Mercedes-Benz now has a new line of clean-diesel vehicles called Bluetec, much like the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.  All of these qualify for the alternative-powertrain tax credit by the IRS.  Previously, only hybrid cars qualified to receive the credit, but the advancements in clean-diesel technology have allowed these German carmakers to get this tax break for their new diesel lines.

The tax credits only apply to the first 60,000 units that are sold.  Also, they will vary depending on the fuel-efficiency of the car.  For example, the Mercedes Benz ML320 Bluetec will qualify for a rebate of $900, but if you make a step up to the GL320 and you will get a credit of $1,800.  You can buy the Jetta TDI now, and it will be in showrooms this October.

Will these tax credits make more people consider purchasing a diesel car the next time they go car shopping?

In the past, motorists protected their wallets by purchasing an auto warranty, buying inexpensive vehicles, and keeping up with maintenance.  Now, receiving tax credits for clean-diesel vehicles give consumers another way of conserving on car related expenses.

More and more cars are being loaded with high-tech gadgets.  In fact, some luxury car models have up to 80 switches and knobs to allow for advanced safety and comfort of motorists.  Yet, there are more high-tech gadgets coming on the market.

Soon there will be sign recognition systems that will be able to read wrong-way signs and speed limits.  This will come on the market in 2009-2010.

Cameras could replace Side view mirrors in the future.  Images would be displayed on the rearview mirrors on the edges, or on the instrument panel.

We may see chatty cars in the future.  Developers are trying to create a network that would monitor signals from car systems and warn other cars.  For example, skidding due to slick roads could be transmitted to warn other drivers.

Bumper bags could help SUVs be less deadly when hitting a low-riding car.  This has been shown to reduce intrusions and cause less injuries.

High-tech gadgets are great for motorists, but only if they learn how to use them before getting on the road.  In addition, with any new technology, drivers should have an auto warranty to protect themselves from technology failure.