November 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
A diesel engine used to bring about a wince from people who associated diesels with engine noise, a not so pleasant smell, and blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe. However, things are changing. Diesel engines will soon elicit a positive response.
The new generation of diesels is considered clean. They use a very low sulfur diesel fuel that was made available in the United States in 2006. It is predicted by experts that diesel sales are going to increase approximately 300% within 10 years. One of the reasons for this is that diesel engines have around 20%-40% better fuel-efficiency than engines powered by gasoline.
The Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance claims that using ultra low sulfur fuel in these new and improved diesel engines will cause air quality to improve greatly. The yearly reductions in emissions will be the same as taking away the pollution from over 90% of the buses and trucks today. This is when the fleet of heavy-duty vehicles has been replaced by 2030.
It may take time to change people’s ideas about diesel engines, but people will begin to realize the benefits. Not only will they make our air cleaner, they will save people at the gas pump. However, as with any car, it is necessary to buy an auto warranty so you are covered in case of failure.
November 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
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.
October 31st, 2008 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.
October 31st, 2008 by Hal Moses
If you are thinking of purchasing a new car, don’t just rely on professional expertise; make yourself a professional expert as well. This includes taking certain measures such as doing your homework and researching an auto warranty. You can be empowered by arming yourself with the following information about purchasing a used vehicle.
Examine the pedals to check for wear. Rarely do people update the pedals, so this is a good indication of the cars true history.
Next, take a look at the steering wheel. While the engine is turned off, joggle the wheel to see how much movement there is. There shouldn’t be more than one inch of play. If there is, a new steering gearbox may be needed.
Don’t ever buy a car that has frame-damage. You can tell this by looking at the core support of the radiator. This connects to the fenders in the front of the vehicle. It shouldn’t be welded on each side, but bolted.
Lastly, check the paint job on the vehicle. Look for dents, scratches and rust spots. Also, examine the car for a slight waviness, which is an indication of a paint job.
Most importantly, check the history of the vehicle you are looking to buy. You can do this at autocheck.com.
No matter how much knowledge you have, you never really know what car you are buying. This is why it is important to buy used car warranties to protect your investment. You don’t want to end up paying unnecessary repair costs down the road.
October 31st, 2008 by Hal Moses
Many drivers don’t realize that buying a less-expensive vehicle model can actually end up costing you more in the long run than a model that is more-expensive up front.
One example of this is a Mitsubishi Lancer vs. a Mini Cooper Clubman. A new Lancer costs around $17,500, which is $5,000 less than the initial cost of the Mini Cooper. Yet, when you consider what ownership costs will be with each vehicle, the Mitsubishi Lancer will end up costing you about $3,000 more after owning the car for five years.
Also realize, a Toyota Highlander will initially cost you $3,000 more than a Ford Explorer V6. However, when you consider ownership costs you will end up paying $6,500 more over a five-year period.
Motorists are very concerned with the sticker price of a vehicle when choosing a car, but many people fail to factor in the ownership costs. For example, auto loans, maintenance costs, and auto warranty, fuel costs, repair costs, and sales tax need to all be factored into the equation.
October 30th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Used fuel-efficient vehicles that at one time would have been hard for dealers to sell, such as the Chevrolet Aveo and Ford Focus, are now being sold at record speed, and their prices have risen. According to J.D. Power & Associates, the ten pre-owned cars with the prices rising the fastest include the Kia Spectra, which is up almost 8%, and the Hyundai Elantra, which is almost 9% higher. Just a couple of years ago this list was dominated by large, luxurious cars, such as the Lexus LS Series.
Some prices of used cars are even getting close to that of new cars. For example, the 2006 Honda Civic has an average cost of $16,118, which is 86% of the price of a new 2008 Civic. A 2006 used BMW Mini Cooper is approximately 81% of the price of a 2008 model. Usually, three-year old cars will cost around 50%-60% of the price of their new equivalent.
This trend creates an opportunity for automakers to make premium compact cars instead of larger, luxury cars that aren’t as fuel-efficient. Consumers are looking to save money on car prices, an auto warranty, and gas prices. Large vehicles that guzzle gas are a thing of the past.
October 30th, 2008 by Hal Moses
As if people haven’t found enough reasons not to purchase a new car, recent rumors about a possible merger between Chrysler and GM have raised added doubts for motorists.
There are many questions raised by the possibility that GM may acquire Chrysler, but followers of the industry say that one question by consumers who recently bought or are thinking of buying a new Chrysler that shouldn’t be of concern is what will come of their auto warranty coverage if another carmaker purchases Chrysler.
Joe Phillippi, who is a principal with consulting and vehicle research firm AutoTrends, claims that all carmakers maintain an auto warranty reserve that will cover auto warranty expenses. Also, he says that Chrysler’s reserve would be used initially to cover claims, but if a merger were to occur the buying company would take on the responsibility.
October 30th, 2008 by Hal Moses
According to Honda, the 2009 Element that has undergone a restyling is now on sale with a beginning price of $20,175, not including a destination charge of $670 or new car warranties. Standard on the base model is a five-speed automatic, unlike the model last year, which included a manual for $18,980. In addition, there is a price bump of less than $500 from a 2008 LX including an auto warranty.
Most casual observers wouldn’t recognize any big design changes for the 2009 Element, however there are changes, such as the updated front grille and bumper, and also different headlights.
The Element is available in three different trim levels. The basic model is the 2WD LX. By upgrading to the EX and SC models, motorists will benefit with the optional navigation system, which wasn’t provided on the previous Element. This navigation system includes such features as a rearview camera, voice activation and a USB port for media players.
October 29th, 2008 by Hal Moses
What is important about age 13 that makes it OK for children to finally ride in the front seat of the car? Are they finally big enough to withstand the impact of an airbag? Are they at the age where they can behave in the front seat?
A big part of the problem is behavior. When kids mess with the radio, and play around, they usually aren’t in a proper position when an airbag deploys. In injuries and deaths, the proximity to the airbag in the front is a huge issue; in addition, proper positioning in the seat is a factor. By 13, kids are more able to sit still and behave.
Around ages 11 and 12, children are also bigger physically. This is an issue because it is hard for children to have their backs against the seatback if their feet don’t touch the floor. This means that they scrunch down putting them in a bad position for airbag deployment.
Kids under 13 need to ride in the back seat for their safety. It isn’t worth it to put your child in the front and have them injured by an airbag. Parents are concerned with many things such as new car warranties, auto loans, and maintenance, but most important is the safety of their children.
October 29th, 2008 by Hal Moses
It isn’t surprising that Ford’s aiming the new 2010 Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids straight at the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but what is attention getting is Ford claiming that its sedan hybrids will outdo the city mileage of the Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg. That would make the Milan and Fusion hybrids’ rating at 38 mpg. Although there wasn’t a number provided for highway mileage, Ford claims that it beats the Camry Hybrid in this area as well. The Camry Hybrid currently gets 34 mpg/highway.
The complete reveal of the Milan and Fusion hybrids is going to wait until the Los Angeles auto show, however Ford just disclosed a few tidbits today about the new sedans.
The Milan and Fusion hybrids will be the first hybrid technology use, besides the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner hybrids. Battery technology has undergone a big improvement since the launch of Ford’s compact SUV hybrids.
Consumers are anxious for new hybrid technology and want to save money on such things as gas, new car warranties, and auto loans. In this poor economy, people are looking for all of the financial relief they can get, including hybrid technology.
A diesel engine used to bring about a wince from people who associated diesels with engine noise, a not so pleasant smell, and blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe. However, things are changing. Diesel engines will soon elicit a positive response.
