July 4th, 2008 by Hal Moses
More motorists are deciding to switch to hybrid cars for better fuel-efficiency, however, just like any car; hybrids need common maintenance and occasional repairs. A regular mechanic can do work that is routine, yet you will need hybrid-certified mechanics for jobs that are more extensive.
According to a Toyota service director in Tampa, hybrid work at the dealership has been small. There are some vehicles with issues, but for the most part repairs are the result of accidents. The most costly repair on hybrids is for battery replacement. In a vehicle that isn’t covered by an auto warranty, you will pay approximately $3,000 just on the part.
The best thing to do is to find a technician to repair your car before you really need it. This way you won’t have to make last minute decisions. Also, make sure that the technician is certified in hybrid repair.
Finally, most new car warranties for hybrids cover 100,000 miles or 8-10 years. Make sure you know if your auto warranty requires that you get service from a specific repair shop.
July 3rd, 2008 by Hal Moses
Crossovers are becoming more and more popular with consumers. These are essentially Sport-utility vehicles that are put on car platforms. Crossovers give you the practicality of the minivan, with some of the capabilities of an SUV, all with a car’s efficiency. Consumers love their versatility, and there are many promising models to choose from.
The BMW X6 looks like a fastback sedan and satisfies the consumers who aren’t crazy about crossovers. It is shaped more like a car than an SUV, and is intended for use on the road, not off.
Ford is going to make a replacement for the Explorer, which is based on the concept of the Explorer America. It is going to be a crossover, but won’t be on a truck design like the current Ford Explorer.
Toyota has put out the 2009 Venza with great success. This vehicle is essentially a Camry wagon.
Mercedes-Benz has made a crossover effort with the GLK. This isn’t a small vehicle, although it is much smaller than the ML Class. However, this isn’t the best styling by Mercedes.
The time will probably come when motorists revolt against crossovers, just like they have done with station wagons and minivans. But, for now, crossovers are in high demand. However, like with any vehicle, make sure to purchase an auto warranty to protect you from costly repairs down the road.
July 3rd, 2008 by Hal Moses
The two-mode hybrid system will be available soon. The Allison Transmission division of BMW, GM, and DaimlerChrysler originally developed this system. This alliance is referred to as 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 incorporated 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 said what cars will be utilizing this technology. With any new car technology, an auto warranty is a necessity. After all, you don’t want to pay unnecessary repair costs in the future.
July 3rd, 2008 by Hal Moses
A recent survey by Consumer Reports Nat’l Research Center shows that drivers in America are feeling the pain of high gas prices and it’s having an affect on their lifestyles and car purchasing decisions. In fact, people are opting to hold onto their current vehicles and purchase used car warranties.
Consumers say that they aren’t doing as much vacationing, driving, and entertainment spending. Also evident, is that people are struggling with the cost of health care and food prices. Who should be blamed for these hard times? The survey revealed that 77% of people blame the federal government for not being able to carry out an energy policy that is effective, and 75% blame oil companies, as well as foreign producers of oil.
The price of gas has risen dramatically this year, going from $2.96 per gallon in Feb. 2008 to $4.08 in June, which is an increase of 38%. That quick change has caused the price of transportation, heating oil and food to go up also. Consumers are feeling the financial burden on many fronts with no sign of relief. The result of this is that 45% of people aren’t putting as much money into their savings accounts, approximately one quarter aren’t spending as much on healthcare or food, and 17% are charging more on credit cards.
The rising fuel costs are having a poor effect on consumers’ lifestyles. People are holding onto their current cars and purchasing an auto warranty instead of buying new vehicles. Essentially, people are just trying to weather the storm.
July 2nd, 2008 by Hal Moses
Volkswagen is trying to stir the interest of consumers to find their love for the small station wagon with the launch of the Sportwagen.
VW executives claim that this vehicle is derived from the Jetta and has the appeal of a compact car with a European flair. This will give it traction in the market, as motorists are changing to smaller wagons. Drivers are purchasing smaller, more efficient cars to save money on gas, which allows them to put their money towards an auto warranty and maintenance costs.
This new wagon has many desirable characteristics. It is offered in a 2.5-liter five-speed or automatic, and also a turbo four with 200hp in a six speed Tiptronic manual or automatic. Also available is the panoramic sunroof, as well as a Sirius satellite radio. The car will run anywhere from $19,000-$26,000 depending on the trim level.
The VW Sportwagen will be available to consumers this summer. As with any car purchase, an auto warranty should be bought so that you don’t end up paying unnecessary repair costs down the road. This will allow drivers to have peace of mind.
July 2nd, 2008 by Hal Moses
California has beat New Mexico in landing the new plant in which electric car company Tesla Motors will build to make its sedan with zero emissions, the Model S.
Originally, it looked like the 400-employee plant would go to New Mexico; however, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that California would find financing for $100 million worth of equipment for manufacturing.
Tesla would lease the equipment, and their payments to the state would then go towards paying it off. Then, the company could purchase the equipment when the lease term comes to an end, without paying sales tax. This would allow Tesla to save $9 million.
New Mexico was not happy about Tesla’s decision to change to California, and said that management problems within the company were a factor. Martin Eberhard, Tesla’s co-founder, was replaced last summer as CEO.
According to Tesla, the Model S will sell for $60,000 initially, although they already have a plan for a $30,000 model. This will mean that consumers can afford to purchase a zero emissions vehicle and an auto warranty, and know that they are protecting their environment.
July 2nd, 2008 by Hal Moses
Some consumers are apprehensive about purchasing a used car for fear that they will end up with a lemon. However, purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in Philadelphia is about to become safer thanks to a new lemon law.
When this bill becomes a law, cars purchased in Philadelphia must be road-worthy. If they aren’t, they can be returned for a full refund within three days. This law, along with used car warranties, will give drivers peace of mind when purchasing a used car.
So, what does this mean for the used car buyer? If you take your car in for an inspection by a licensed mechanic you can take the car back within 72 hours after the purchase if the car fails to pass the emission or safety inspection. The vehicle can also be returned if information by the seller wasn’t disclosed, such as a defect with the structure.
Consumers are thrilled with the new lemon law because this means they won’t get stuck with a piece of junk. With the addition of an auto warranty, motorists can finally have peace of mind when purchasing a used car.
July 1st, 2008 by Hal Moses
Ford Motor Co. is getting on-board the popular small car and crossover markets with a Focus coupe that has been redesigned and the seven seat Flex.
Ford representatives showed the two vehicles in Memphis yesterday. The marketing manager claimed that fuel-efficiency is the main factor driving the market right now. However, motorists won’t compromise functionality, and the Flex accomplishes fuel-efficiency and function.
The 2009 Ford Flex has been on the market for two weeks. It has the length of an SUV, while remaining low to the ground. This vehicle gets 24 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.
The all-new Ford Focus has a sportier exterior. The vehicle has wheels that are larger, with a spoiler and new designs in the front and rear. Also, it gets 35 mpg on the highway and has an impressive auto warranty.
Ford is getting on board the small car and crossover craze with the introduction of the all-new Focus and the Flex. Consumers are protecting their wallets by purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles and new car warranties.
June 28th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Hyundai has introduced many new car models lately, but the Genesis Coupe might be the most exciting. This car created quite a stir last year at the L.A. Auto Show, and lost little with production.
The Coupe is styled aggressively, and was actually emulated after an animal that was predatory. This is obvious when looking at the headlights, which are angled, and the twisting lines that fall below the waistline.
This vehicle doesn’t just look impressive; it will be available with a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine that puts out 306 hp. You will also be able to get this in a 4-cylinder 212 hp 2.0-liter engine.
Staying true to the high performance appearance, the interior doesn’t disappoint. The seats have side bolsters and are very supportive and comfortable. Also impressive is the large speedometer and push button starter.
Motorists will be able to buy the 2010 Genesis Coupe, with the addition of an auto warranty in January of 2009. The price of the car hasn’t been announced yet, but it will probably stay true to the value price that Hyundai is known for.
June 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
If you’re planning on going car shopping you need to do a few things first. Just by taking some simple steps, you can save money on a vehicle and make the process a lot easier.
First, you might want to think about buying a pre-owned car. New cars will lose about 30% of their worth the second you leave the dealership. A used car will allow you to avoid that immediate depreciation that comes with buying new.
Try to find a vehicle that will save you money at the gas station. There are numerous hybrids and fuel-efficient cars out there to choose from.
If at all possible, save for a down payment. Many consumers don’t put very much money down on a vehicle and wonder why their payments are so steep in the first four years of owing the car.
Finally, when you invest in your vehicle, purchase an auto warranty to protect it. Some people try to avoid doing this, but end up paying maintenance and repair costs that are unnecessary.
More motorists are deciding to switch to hybrid cars for better fuel-efficiency, however, just like any car; hybrids need common maintenance and occasional repairs. A regular mechanic can do work that is routine, yet you will need hybrid-certified mechanics for jobs that are more extensive.
