July 22nd, 2008 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.
Monday, with much anticipation, GM 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.
July 21st, 2008 by Hal Moses
Ford is making plans to retool some of its plants in the U.S. to manufacture small cars that the company has already been selling in Europe.
This move serves the purpose of aiding the company in increasing the production of cars with fuel-efficiency in North America.
In an effort to make more vehicles in the U.S. that are fuel-efficient, Ford has looked into bringing over models from Europe, such as the Mondeo.
This is the biggest step to date by any of the Big Three carmakers in response to the grave bind that is faced by the auto industry. Damaged by the poor economy, car sales this year have dropped dramatically. And with fuel prices at $4 a gallon, motorists are seeking small, fuel-efficient cars and leaving behind the SUVs and pickup trucks that the Big Three were known for.
Consumers are doing everything possible to protect their wallets, such as purchasing new car warranties, and fuel-efficient cars. And automakers, like Ford, are trying to survive by suiting consumers’ needs.
July 21st, 2008 by Hal Moses
Many people struggle to decide what kind of car to buy. It can be difficult to sort through all of the vehicle options to arrive at the car that best suits you. Here are some important factors to consider that will help you make the right decision when purchasing a car.
First of all, decide what you intend to use the vehicle for. Don’t buy a 4WD SUV because you take two camping trips a year. If you’re using the car everyday for commuting, you are going to want to purchase a car that is easy to maneuver with good fuel-efficiency.
Next, consider the looks of the vehicle. You need to find a vehicle that you can stand to look at every day without getting sick of it. If you end up with a car that makes you shudder when you look at it, you will never enjoy it.
Finally, fuel-efficiency, although not as big of a deal three years ago, is now a major factor in car buying. Now there are options of what kind of fuel you want to burn. For example, some options are E10, E20, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, and B5. All of these fuels have their benefits, so decide which will suit you the best.
The best way to get the car that is going to fit you is to do your research on various vehicle models. Also, when doing this consider the added costs of an auto warranty, vehicle maintenance, and auto loans.
July 19th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Forbes has assessed all of the cars out there to conclude that the Honda Accord is the best used car. In addition, this means that the Accord is the best certified pre-owned car on the market.
According to Forbes, there are many certified pre-owned vehicles, however, the Honda Accord deserves to be acknowledged because of several outstanding qualities. In order to come to a decision, Forbes looked at data on reliability from Consumer Reports Magazine. In addition, they considered safety, as well as the availability of used car warranties.
Coming in second and third on the list were the Saturn Relay and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Then, came the Pontiac G6, Mercedes Benz E-class and the VW new Beetle.
Certified pre-owned vehicles go through rigorous testing to make sure they are in sound condition. Then, auto dealers refurbish them if needed, and give them a limited auto warranty. This has become a booming practice, and consumers are reaping the benefits.
July 19th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Car enthusiasts are always looking for a new, hot car. You know, the vehicles that everyone wants, but are hard to find. These are the cars that people wouldn’t dare take out of the driveway without purchasing an auto warranty. So, what are the hot cars right now that will have people feeling green with envy?
Soon to be in showrooms is the Dodge Challenger. This is a new, hot muscle car that isn’t going to last long. Also, people are buzzing about BMWs all new 1 Series. Jaguar has come out with the sexy XF sedan that is being sold fast.
The Honda Fit has become so hot that people might have a hard time trying to get one. The mini cooper is perpetually hot because of limited production, as well as high demand.
The Chevrolet Camaro has been reborn, and waiting lists are being formed all around the country for this hot car. This is also true for the Corvette ZRI, which will be coming out this fall.
If you consider yourself a car enthusiast who can’t wait to have the latest hot car, take the plunge. However, to protect your new investment make sure you have new car warranties, a good insurance policy, and a routine maintenance plan.
July 19th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Many motorists 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, 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, an auto warranty, fuel costs, repair costs, and sales tax need to all be factored into the equation.
July 19th, 2008 by Hal Moses
If you’re planning to put your car up for sale you need to be able to assess it properly. It can be difficult for people to see their car the way that other people do, because you have made a special connection with it. However, following these tips will help you evaluate your car objectively.
Some vehicle owners deceive themselves into thinking that their vehicle has a greater worth than it really does. People see their cars as being in excellent condition, even when there is obvious wear and tear. Even when people purchase an auto warranty in order to maintain their vehicles, they need to realize that their car isn’t fresh like when they bought it new. Just remember that your vehicle’s condition is the most important thing to buyers, so assess it accurately.
When talking to potential buyers it is best to disclose all information about your vehicles true condition. Usually, you don’t need to take your car to a body shop to get it looking perfect. People realize that they are getting a used vehicle and often don’t want to spend the extra money on a perfect car body. The most affective thing that you can do is to have your car washed and waxed, which is equivalent to the curb appeal of a house. This will allow your old gem to look its best, without costing you an arm and a leg.
When trying to sell your vehicle, make sure to assess it honestly. You don’t want to hold out for a lot of money if you are never going to get it.
July 18th, 2008 by Hal Moses
To ensure that your car is operating properly you need to perform routine maintenance. People assume that they need to make seasonal preparations, purchase an auto warranty, and change their oil, but they often neglect their tires. Don’t forget that your driving experience is only going to be as good as the tires that are on your car.
One big issue when it comes to tires is safety. You need to have tires that will ensure you are safe on the road. After all, really the only thing coming between the road and you is your tires.
If you put high performance tires on your car you will get the safety behind the wheel that you deserve. These tires will allow you to drive at fast speeds and allow for safety in driving conditions that are dangerous. For example, your car will perform better on roads that are icy or wet. High performance tires also allow you to perform sudden stops and tight cornering. And, even though you will pay a little more for them, you are getting your safety in return.
To keep your car performing at its best, consider purchasing high performance tires. Not only will your vehicle hand better, you will feel safer. Also, to maintain your safety purchase an auto warranty that allows you to have routine maintenance and repairs performed when necessary.
July 18th, 2008 by Hal Moses
The poor economy has taken quite a toll on domestic automakers. Especially since they bet heavily on selling large SUVs and pickup trucks, which have now been virtually abandoned due to fuel prices that are at a record high. Will domestic automakers be able to weather the storm?
GM is planning to cut costs of $10 billion from its current operations by late 2009. These efforts include additional buyouts from the 32,000 workers on salary, freezing their rates of pay, cutting out health coverage for people retired over 65 yrs old, and quickly shutting down four SUV/truck plants.
In addition, GM will sell more of its product lines. For example, behemoth Hummer is going to be sold off. Doing this will earn them $4 billion-$7 billion cash. It is even rumored that Buick is going to be auctioned, which has been successful in challenging Lexus brands.
According to GMs chairman and CEO Rich Wagoner, performing these actions will allow GM to survive this hard period in the U.S. and come out strong, lean and successful.
Consumers are seeking small, fuel-efficient vehicles to survive the high gas prices, and are protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties. GM has to change their thinking to suit customers and weather the storm.
July 18th, 2008 by Hal Moses
According to Volkswagen dealers, the high diesel fuel prices aren’t stopping the large rush of buyers waiting to get the first bunch of VW Jetta TDI vehicles.
The Jetta TDIs have new diesels that meet the standards for emissions in all states. And although the cars won’t be sold until the end of August, many dealers already have so many orders that their allocation of 2008 Jetta sedans and Sportswagen TDIs have already been eaten up.
Many people wonder what the appeal is, since diesel is almost $5 a gallon in some areas. However, dealers claim that the improved fuel-efficiency and highly reliable diesel engine, plus the excellent performance put these cars in high demand.
People are realizing what really constitutes a true economy car. They don’t just want fuel-efficiency, but also a vehicle that drives and handles well, and has good performance.
Volkswagen of America is planning to sell approximately 15,000 TDI Jettas in 2008. In 2009, 30% of the Jetta sales could be made up of the TDI.
The Jetta diesel sedan will be priced at $22,640 with an auto warranty and the wagon will go for $24,240, also with an auto warranty. Because the price is right, consumers are getting in line for these new models.