October 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
The campaign by Barack Obama circulated an advertisement in Michigan accusing John McCain of having three cars that are foreign-made, however a study that was conducted by Bigresearch discovered that McCain supporters have a greater likelihood of driving American made vehicles than Obama supporters, by a margin of 68% to 54%.
Out of the Obama supporters 37% claimed that they drive Japanese-made vehicles, while just 27% of McCain supporters said that they did. And when it comes to cars made in Europe, 10% of Obama supporters admitted to having one, while just over 5% of McCain supporters admitted to having a car made in France.
The only odd finding out of the 8,000 people who were surveyed was that the same amount of Obama and McCain voters- 8.2%- owned Hondas. It seems that the Honda brand appeals to democrats and republicans alike in the same way that an auto warranty does. Maybe that is the bi-partisanship that both candidates are always saying that they’re all about.
As for information about what might occur on election day, the survey discovered that Ford was the brand driven the most by voters who are undecided, and by coincidence, Obama has a Ford Escape Hybrid. Is this a political ploy, or does Obama happen to be in touch with the common man?
September 30th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Motorists who want to buy a new vehicle have several concerns: reliability, safety and an auto warranty. Recently, The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety listed the thirty-six 2008 cars that they rate highest for safety. Which vehicles are there favorites?
The Toyota Tundra was the only truck that made the list. Its main safety features include side airbags, and also stability control.
Although no domestic cars made the list last year, there are seven domestics on the 2008 list. These are the Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Ford Edge, Ford Taurus X, Lincoln MKX, Cadillac CTS and the Saturn Vue.
Ford Motor Company had the most vehicles on the list. In fact, they had eight models. Honda and Acura sported seven winners.
Only one small car made the IIIHS list: the Subaru Impreza.
According to recent studies, drivers are more and more concerned with vehicle safety. Also, drivers want cars that are reliable. They are purchasing new car warranties, so that they can easily repair their cars without the worry of unnecessary expenses.
September 30th, 2008 by Hal Moses
It’s common knowledge that carmakers are having a difficult year. And just to make things even harder, some cars that are perfectly good don’t even get a fair shake. One car model can be just as good as another one, yet consumers don’t give it the attention of a competing model.
For instance, the Saab 9-5 gets 21 mpg and comes with a sunroof and leather seats, and goes for $37,685. However, only 1,943 consumers bought that car, while 81,967 people purchased the similar BMW 3-Series for $32,700, which is the segment leader.
Another story of tough luck is the Acura RL, which is a competitor in the large luxury car division and is one of the Top Safety Picks, along with the S80. However, the RL, which is powered by a V-6, isn’t a match for competing car models that have V-8 engines. Because of higher fuel prices, the RL appeals to some shoppers who are fuel-conscious, but it seems that buyers looking for luxury cars have a preference for power over safety.
These cars are great examples of vehicles that deserve a second look because they have features that are unique and high quality. Unfortunately, they are small players in a huge market. Consumers should consider the benefits of these cars because not only do they have a lot of features to offer, but also they are priced right with a good auto warranty.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
The Saturn Vue SUV green line will have better fuel economy than the Vues that are gas only. They feature a simple hybrid system that Ford and Toyota use. The green line is only around $1,500 more than the price of a comparable Vue that only operates on gas. This allows consumers to be able to afford an auto warranty and maintenance costs. The retail price, $23,000 is approximately $4,000 under the Ford Escape Hybrid, which is the least expensive hybrid to date.
The Saturn Vue hybrid offers a 20% fuel savings over the gas operated Vue. The Vue Green line supplements an engine that is four cylinders with electric power. It gets 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the gas only Vue gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The Vue Green Line is the first SUV hybrid available with only front wheel drive. They aren’t offered with all- or four-wheel drive, as with other hybrid SUVs on the market.
The “green†Vue doesn’t give extraordinary fuel savings, but it is a good opportunity for consumers to purchase an SUV hybrid for under $25,000. It is important for motorists to do their homework and calculate the cost of owning the vehicle. For example, consider new car warranties, car maintenance costs, and insurance on the SUV.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
With gas prices over $4 per gallon, motorists are looking a little more closely at used cars. The National Automobile Dealers Association reports that last year the average cost of a used vehicle was around $15,000, while it was $29,000 for new vehicles.
While you want to purchase a pre-owned car that has a solid reputation for dependability, it’s even more beneficial to purchase a used vehicle that consumers find less popular, because it has already depreciated rapidly.
Many people believe that the best new vehicles make the best used vehicles, which is true in general. However, often these cars depreciate at a slower rate, which makes them popular as new vehicles, but means they cost more as used vehicles.
According to Kelly Blue Book, the vehicle brands that depreciate the slowest are Mini, Scion, Volkswagen, BMW, and Honda.
Instead of purchasing those models, consider other brands that have high reliability scores, but depreciate more quickly and can save you thousands of dollars. Domestic brands are good to consider, such as Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet. These will get you a bargain.
If you want to save money by buying a used car, consider depreciation. You can get a good bargain by buying reliable, more rapidly depreciating models, and buy used car warranties to give you peace of mind.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
When considering the engine, most people don’t realize how important the alternator is. In fact, the alternator is indispensable because the engine won’t run without it. The alternator is the source where the power train gets power.
Alternators were created in order to convert mechanical energy into a current that is alternating. In order to do this the engine belt drives the alternator shaft. Doing this allows electricity to be produced from the mechanical energy of the machines. Then, the power becomes channeled. The electricity produced recharges the battery and powers the electrical system of the vehicle.
If you need to replace your alternator you will discover that some contain more amps and some are definitely more expensive. However, an auto warranty will give you peace of mind with any vehicle repairs.
No matter what car you have, make sure you can see the bolts. Many times, other parts have to be removed to have access to the bolts. Before you remove your alternator, take note of the way it’s connected. Then, mark its location so you know where to connect it. Afterward, start to unplug the wires that connect to the alternator. Finally, take off the bolts and remove the alternator.
Without the alternator, the engine can’t function. If you can’t replace it yourself, find a mechanic to take care of it. Whatever you decide, make sure you have an auto warranty to save you from costly repairs. After all, you never know when you will need to replace a part on your vehicle.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
An innovative original system will boost fuel efficiency approximately 1 m.p.g. in the all-wheel drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, 2009 models. Drivers will be thrilled to have extra savings, due to this technology. Also, new car warranties will ensure that drivers don’t pay extra expenses.
Chrysler has already made significant changes to its vehicle models. In fact they have made 500 improvements since last year. For example, they reduced excess engine noise in their Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. Also, thanks to new mounts for the engine, noise and vibrations are lessened in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring.
The updated all-wheel drive system makes the vehicle more fuel-efficient by disconnecting the drivetrain from the front axle, until it is necessary to activate all-wheel drive for safety. The economy ratings by the EPA for all-wheel drive versions of these models will be comparable to the rear-drive model ratings.
At the moment, the 300 and Charger, as well as other all-wheel drive vehicles lose at least 1 m.p.g. in ratings by the EPA because energy is being sent to the front axle, even if it isn’t needed. This new technology will alleviate this problem. However, motorists should always protect themselves with an auto warranty with any technology, just in case it unexpectedly fails.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
The two-mode hybrid system will be coming soon. The Allison Transmission division of BMW, GM, and DaimlerChrysler originally developed this system. This alliance is called the Global Hybrid Corporation.
The reason that this system is called a two-mode hybrid is because it has high and low-speed modes for the electric variable transmission. Four fixed gear ratios have been included for high efficiency.
Some of the same functions are featured that are on the Ford and Toyota one-mode hybrids. For instance, the vehicle will turn off at a standstill, while breaking the batteries charge, and the electric motor, the engine, or both, can be used to power the vehicle.
The two-mode hybrid is very adaptable. It can be used with several engine or drive train configurations. In addition, it can be mated to engines powered by gas, E85 or diesel fuels.
This new system will be put into the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe by late in the year. Mercedes and BMW will also be offering this system, but they haven’t stated what cars will be utilizing this technology. With any new vehicle technology, an auto warranty is a necessity. After all, you don’t want to pay unnecessary repair costs in the future.
September 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
SUVs that are small offer better efficiency than their bigger counterparts, but even the most efficient models can get expensive to top off, since gas is over $4 per gallon in many parts of the country.
But, if you are still determined to purchase an SUV, what are you to do? One of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market is the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, with an estimated 34 mpg in the city, and 31mpg on the highway for front wheel drive, and 29/27 mpg for all-wheel drive. Other than a few hybrid-specific characteristics of the drivetrain, the Ford Escape Hybrid drives pretty much like a small conventional SUV. Also, this vehicle offers great new car warranties.
Determine your priorities when considering purchasing the Ford Escape Hybrid; they might easily swing your choice either one way or the other. To make this purchase worth your while, you need to be purchasing it for its hybrid benefits because when you factor in other attributes that may be less-desirable, like rear-seat folding that is archaic and interior quality that is spotty, the hybrid opens the door to Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota competitors.
Still, the crash-test scores of the Escape Hybrid are much better than they were previously, and you can get an improved appearance in the cabin with the Limited. And, with consumers’ concern about high gas prices and a good auto warranty, this hybrid system is reason enough for motorists to consider buying a Ford.
September 26th, 2008 by Hal Moses
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.