September 11th, 2008 by Hal Moses
If you’re considering buying a new vehicle you need to think about safety features. Things such as crash test results, electronic stability control, and rollover resistance are all things that are important in keeping you safe in your vehicle.
In order to give vehicles a safety rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performs side impact and frontal crashes on cars. Considering these results is important when it comes time to buy a new car.
Vehicles that are taller, such as SUVs and pickup trucks have a greater tendency to rollover since they have a high center of gravity. You can find out a car’s inclination to rollover by looking at NHTSA five star ratings.
Electronic stability control is a safety feature that is extremely beneficial and highly recommended. This feature allows you to maintain control of your car when you’re cornering. You can avoid skidding and sliding with electronic stability control because brakes are automatically applied to the wheels that could use it.
Motorists are more concerned about safety than ever before. Also, drivers are trying to protect their wallets by purchasing an auto warranty and buying fuel-efficient vehicles.
September 11th, 2008 by Hal Moses
The Mini SUV that has been the object of many rumors is finally here. Being called the Mini Crossover Concept, this vehicle, which is a 4×4, is the largest Mini to date, which measures more than 156 inches in length. That is just a little longer than the Mini Cooper Clubman, but is still shorter than the Honda Civic sedan by 20 inches.
Probably the biggest news is that the Crossover concept will be equipped with four-wheel drive, which is a first for Mini, and will be a huge selling point for Snow Belt drivers. The concept will likely have a standard bench in the rear instead of single seats, and a 3-D touch display. It is expected to be in the auto show circuit in 2009.
Powertrains have not yet been announced, but because it’s only slightly bigger than the typical Clubman, it will probably have the same peppy engines seen in the Cooper lineup. The concept is not going to use the Cooper name, though; it will just be called the Mini Crossover Concept. Prices on this vehicle have not yet been announced, but if it follows suit with the other Minis, it will be reasonably priced and come with large new car warranties.
September 11th, 2008 by Hal Moses
BMW already uses a start-stop engine for their non-hybrid European 1 and 3 Series, but Mazda is in the process of developing a version that is more efficient. Mazda’s system that has been independently developed is called Smart Idle Stop System. According to the company, this system will improve fuel-efficiency by around 10%.
The unique thing about Mazda’s system is how it restarts the powertrain. Engine restart is initiated by employing the direct-injection system to spurt gas and ignite it under the specific conditions needed to make a downward force on the pistons that is perfect, seamlessly restarting the engine. According to Mazda, drivers won’t feel any delay because it will only take 0.35 seconds to resume driving.
Mazda’s system appears to be a lot simpler than most other start-stop systems, which are commonly attached to hybrid systems. Also, it will cost and weigh less than GMs mild hybrid system. If Mazda combines this system with their new turbo, which is fuel-efficient, it could boost fuel-efficiency by about 40% in a few years, without any expensive hybrid technology.
Just remember, with any new car technology you should protect yourself by purchasing an auto warranty. After all, you want peace of mind that you won’t have to pay unnecessary repair costs.
September 10th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Today’s drivers are realizing that cars are being made to withstand more. There are many vehicles on the road that prove to be reliable and durable. So, what cars are going to keep you on the road?
Honda cars are known for being reliable and safe and are always a sure thing. Also, they experience minimal problems and repairs. For example, the Honda Odyssey is ranked #1 in durability. Also ranking high on the list are the Honda Pilot, Civic, and Accord. Some small SUVs are known for being extremely durable. For example, the Volvo XC90 and Subaru Forester are two examples. But if you’re looking for luxury in addition to durability, the Audi A4 and Acura RDX will deliver.
The vehicles listed made the list due to performance, safety ratings, and lack of complaints. Anyone who is shopping for a new car would feel peace of mind in these cars. However, it is always a good idea to purchase an auto warranty to protect you.
September 10th, 2008 by Hal Moses
There is a new website that Tribal has launched that allows car shoppers to experience a true life like shopping experience from the comfort of their own homes. Now, at Volkswagen.co.uk people can virtually walk around a new vehicle and sit in it. Tribal created this website because shopping for cars can be confusing.
Research shows that car shoppers do the majority of their car research on the Internet, which cuts showroom visits in half. In response to this, VW decided to give car shoppers a virtual experience that they could experience without leaving the house.
In the site you will find a sophisticated car configurator in which there are 3D models of the VW range. Visitors can change different options in order to alter the vehicle’s appearance. Basically, people can create the car that they choose to have.
In the near future people can go to the site and book test-drives through different retailers. They will also have the ability to see what models are available at different retailers.
VW has listened to customers needs and designed a website that allows people to shop from their own homes. It is also convenient that people can shop for new car warranties and insurance by searching various websites. By doing comparisons, people can rest assured that they got the best deal on a car, an auto warranty and insurance.
September 9th, 2008 by Hal Moses
If you’re looking for an entry-level car, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is the way to go. This car is inexpensive, small, and offers minimal accommodations and features. And, with a starting MSRP of approximately $11,000 including new car warranties, the Aveo is an option for young drivers and bargain shoppers who want a passable new vehicle at an affordable price.
For this month only the Aveo is even cheaper, if you can believe it. Chevrolet is advertising a national incentive of $2,000 on the vehicle, which is a 17.5% discount from the original price of the car. That brings down the sticker price for either the sedan or the Aveo5, which is a hatchback, to under $10,000. With such a large discount, it doesn’t seem so daunting to add satellite radio.
Everybody is looking for a bargain these days because of the poor economy and high gas prices. Many people opt to hold onto their current car longer and buy used car warranties, but with a price of under $10,000, the Chevrolet Aveo has opened up more options.
September 9th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Ah, we all love the smell of a new car. It’s a wonderful intoxicant for many, luring them back to that same car dealership as soon as it fades.
However, if you can survive without the strong fragrance during your commute in the morning you’re in luck. Choosing a good used car can be fun, reliable, and save you tons of money. Take a look at the reasons you should buy used.
Cars are now being made so that they are more reliable than ever. You can consult Consumer Reports’ list of the best used car to find a great choice.
When you buy a used car you are avoiding the depreciation hit. In the first two to three years of a car’s life its value declines drastically. Buy a car that’s two years old and you will save money while still having that new car smell.
Also, you can get more car for your money. For instance, if you have been wanting that BMW for the price of a Honda, this is your chance.
Now there are dealer “certification†programs. In this case the dealer inspects, repairs, and certifies used vehicles and they come with an auto warranty. This brings peace of mind to a car shopper.
Just remember, if you’re thinking of buying a used car that’s not certified make sure to do a CARFAX check on its VIN and purchase used car warranties to go along with it.
September 9th, 2008 by Hal Moses
One of Hummer’s largest dealers in the country is closing down. The Wall Street Journal reported that Towbin Hummer is about the eighth Hummer dealership to shut their doors this year because of a consumer shift. Consumers are struggling with the economy and high fuel prices, and therefore are purchasing small, fuel-efficient vehicles. Some motorists are even opting to keep their old vehicles and purchase used car warranties.
Towbin was the only Hummer dealer in Las Vegas. However, Dan Towbin is a Hummer enthusiast and is the owner of other car dealerships in the Sin City. He will be opening a Smart store late in the year.
The Wall Street Journal points out that Las Vegas’ culture is excessive, which makes the closing of a Hummer dealership surprising. Maybe, the plummeting housing market is responsible for consumers’ ability to shop for luxury SUVs. However, if Hummer isn’t able to survive in Las Vegas, you have to wonder if it will be able to survive at all.
September 6th, 2008 by Hal Moses
What is there to say about the single most expensive hybrid on today’s market? The 2008 Lexus LS600hL is a luxurious hybrid that makes it known to everyone that you have $105,000 to spend on a car that is environmentally responsible.
People may not be all that concerned about how the electric motor works in combination with the gas powered V-8 because the most outstanding thing about this extended LS model is the cavernous and most luxurious interior. The dashboard, as well as the seats is covered in leather that is extremely supple and stitched together with precision. Metal, wood, and metallic colored plastic are used tastefully, and can be found on the armrests in the backseat and on the dashboard. Oh, and by the way, this car parks itself!
If you have $105,000 to spend on an environmentally friendly vehicle this is a great choice. But at this price, don’t dare drive it out of your driveway without an auto warranty. It could cost you an arm and a leg to fix this car.
September 6th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Typically, Volkswagen has some of the least dramatic incentives out of all of the carmakers. And even in a car market where most brands of cars have to advertise large cash-back numbers, especially on large vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks, Volkswagen usually doesn’t offer very much on the surface, despite the poor sales of many of its older models.
However, that isn’t the case this month. Until September 30th, Volkswagen is offering a deal of 0% financing on all of the 2008 models. Certain models, like the Beetle convertible, Passat, Touareg, and GTI, are available with that rate over 60 months. Other models are available with 0% financing over 36 or 48 months.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Volkswagen, now is the time. Volkswagen incentives don’t come along very often. In addition, VW vehicles are being offered with hefty new car warranties.